Enhanced identification appliance

ABSTRACT

An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain information about the wearer such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent. The appliance may monitor the location or determine the identity of passengers for an airplane, train, boat, bus, or other vehicle. Alternatively, the identification band may contain a person&#39;s immigration status.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to identificationappliances such as wristbands, and in particular to an identificationappliance with a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heatsensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor,acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various securityfeatures such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure contemplates an improved identificationwristband, bracelet, patch, headband, necklace, card, sticker, or otherwearable appliance, which for the sake of convenience, are collectivelyreferred to as a “band” or as a “identification appliance”.Identification bands have become a convenient and effective way ofidentifying people without permanently marking them. A principleadvantage of a band is that it is ultimately removable. Identificationbands typically consist of a flexible wrist strap having a lengthgreater than its width, and a closure or securement device for attachingand maintaining the band securely around the wearer's wrist. A portionof the band may be used for imprinting or otherwise attachingidentification or other information regarding the wearer. Bar codes,radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and the like may also beused to store and transfer information associated with the band and theassociated person or object. For example, RFID devices includes thosewhich operate in the frequency in the range 30 kilohertz (kHz) to 300Gigahertz (GHz). Various band constructions, attachments and otherfeatures including the storage of electronic data and RFID functions aredescribed, for example, in Penuela U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,805, Mosher U.S.Pat. No. 5,457,906, Mosher U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,600, Beigel U.S. Pat. No.5,973,598, Beigel U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,287, Peterson U.S. Pat. No.5,479,797, and Peterson U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,924.

[0003] Bands are advantageous over other forms of ID cards containingdata (such as credit cards, tickets or the like) since they can beattached to the wearer physically securely. As a result, current uses ofidentification bands include patient identification in hospitals,clinics and other locations; access in amusement parks; temporarysecurity measures, facility access control, and ticketing andentitlement functions. While identification bands have been used forthese purposes, additional applications for identification bands and thelike are needed.

[0004] One important use for identification bands is patientidentification and location in hospitals, clinics and other locations.When used in conjunction with an appropriate reader, patient informationcan be collected electronically and used by the medical staff inperformance of their duties. Another example is to track the location ofpersonnel such as convicts in a prison. When identification bands areused to designate who has authority to enter a restricted area, whetherit be a concert hall or prison, the method of attachment of theidentification band must be secure. Identification wristbands typicallyconsist of a flexible wrist strap and a closure device for attaching andmaintaining the wristband securely around the wearer's wrist. Further,an important aspect of identification bands, used for example inhospitals, jails, or hazardous work areas, is the security of theinformation contained in or on the band. In order to prevent fraud ormis-identification, it is desirable that the band and the associatedinformation be securely and reliably maintained both physically andoperationally. Although the prior art has attempted to make anidentification band more secure, there is a need for furtherimprovements.

[0005] Identification bands provide information simply, for example, bya person visually reading printed information on the band, scanningbarcode information, or electronically reading identificationinformation transmitted by the identification band. Thus, barcodes, RFIDdevices and the like are used to enhance the information storage anddata transfer of information associated with the band and the associatedperson or object. There is a need to improve the type of informationcontained on an identification band as well as the manner in which theinformation is maintained.

[0006] Moreover, when an identification band incorporates wirelesscommunications and data storage functions, opportunities forfalsification and fraudulent use are increased. Of concern are insuringtamper detection, tamper prevention, secure transmission of information,the integrity of the information, and the prevention of unauthorizedtransfer of the information to others. Improvements in each of theseareas are needed.

[0007] Information may be stored electronically in a transponder or RFID“tag” and that information is communicated to a tag “reader.”Communication between the RFID tag and reader is by the transmission andreception of electromagnetic (EM) waves, and each must have an antennato convert electrical signals to EM waves and vice versa. RFID systemscan operate over a wide range of frequencies, including thehigh-frequency (HF) through super-high-frequency (SHF) radio bands,roughly 3 Megahertz (MHz) to 6 Gigahertz (GHz), such as 5.88 GHz, aswell as frequencies in the vicinity of 400 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz in theultra-high frequency (UHF) band and 13.5 MHz. Coupling between the tagantenna and the reader antenna below about 50 MHz is primarily by themagnetic component of the reactive near field, in which the tag antennais configured as a coil in a resonant circuit. Above 50 MHz, thetransmission mechanism is the electric field in which the tag antenna isconfigured as a radiating element.

[0008] Because identification appliances may communicate with otherdevices, additional features and circuits may be desirable as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet,patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, armband, belt, card, sticker, orother wearable appliance, is enhanced with a biometric sensor, chemicalsensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor,electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, optical display, variousopto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evidentand tamper-resistant features, as described herein. Also described arereaders and verifiers for reading data from identification appliances,as well as applications for the identification appliance in passengerticketing, passenger baggage checking and claiming, and immigrationstatus.

[0010] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the inventionwill be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views. However, like partsdo not always have like reference numerals. Moreover, all illustrationsare intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and otherdetailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather thanliterally or precisely.

[0012]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art RFID wristband orbracelet.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved secure identification band.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band, which contains inkthat is released by tampering.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a representative illustration of still another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band, which, whenattached, creates an identifying pattern in both visible and electronicforms.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification band that stores biometric information.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification band, which stores biometricand alphanumeric information.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification band, which stores biometric andalphanumeric information and whose circuit functions are activated whenthe band is attached or deactivated when the band is unfastened, torn,cut, or overly stretched.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a representative illustration of an example method ofusing an improved identification band for passenger ticketing andboarding.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a representative illustration of an example method ofusing an improved identification band for passenger baggage tagging andclaiming.

[0023]FIG. 12 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has printed biometric-data.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with printed biometric data.

[0025]FIG. 14 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a biometric sensor.

[0026]FIG. 15 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, which has a biometric sensor and a wirelesscommunication circuit.

[0027]FIG. 16 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has a biometric sensor, a wireless communication circuit such as aRFID circuit, and an electronic memory or data storage device.

[0028]FIG. 17 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a biometric sensor and display.

[0029]FIG. 18 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with photovoltaic cells.

[0030]FIG. 19 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with embedded circuitry and a microstrip or patch antenna.

[0031]FIG. 20 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which performs signal processing and computation and has an electronicdata storage device or memory.

[0032]FIG. 21 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with one or more chemical sensors.

[0033]FIG. 22 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with an acoustic sensor.

[0034]FIG. 23 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with electro-optical components.

[0035]FIG. 24 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with an optical sensor.

[0036]FIG. 25 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a flexible keypad.

[0037]FIGS. 26A and 26B are representative illustrations of an examplemethod of embedding silicon and/or printed circuitry, or othercomponents, in an identification appliance such as an identificationband.

[0038]FIGS. 27A and 27B are representative illustrations of an examplemethod of implementing printed circuitry in an identification appliancesuch as an identification band.

[0039]FIG. 28 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a flexible battery or power source.

[0040]FIG. 29 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a “button” style battery.

[0041]FIG. 30 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which is partially disposable.

[0042]FIG. 31 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, which is partially disposable.

[0043]FIG. 32 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance that is reusable.

[0044]FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C are representative illustrations of exampleembodiments of a biometric reader/verifier of identification appliances.

[0045]FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are representative illustrations of exampleapplications of a biometric identification appliance reader/verifier.

[0046]FIG. 35 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved secure identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with electronic tamper detection.

[0047]FIG. 36 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved secure identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with electronic tamper detection using conductiveor non-conductive glue.

[0048]FIG. 37 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an airport security system that uses an improved secureidentification appliance, such as an identification band.

[0049]FIG. 38 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an airport security system that uses an improved secureidentification appliance, such as an identification band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] As used in this specification, the meaning of“in,” whether aloneor in a compound such as “therein,” includes “in” and “on”; “radiofrequency identification” and “RFID” refer to identification by radiofrequency communication.

[0051]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art RFID wristband orbracelet 1. The substrate 2 is an elongated flexible strip or laminateof polymer or paper. The RFID circuit 3 comprises antenna circuitry,signal generator circuitry, programmable encoder circuitry andinterconnection circuitry. A fastener to adjustably and securely attachthe wristband 1 comprises, on one end of the substrate 2, a snapfastener with parts 4 and 8, which can close over the other end ofsubstrate 2, through one of the adjusting holes 6 therein, and snaptogether. Any of the embodiments described in this disclosure mayinclude a fastener, which may be made adjustable, for example, byproviding multiple mating or locking parts, a continuously variablelength locking apparatus, or a unidirectional sizing locking apparatus(i.e., a known-type of fastener that allows a band to be made tighter,but not looser). The circuitry comprising the RFID circuit 3 can be, invarious combinations, carried in the substrate 2, or formed bydeposition on a layer in the substrate 2 of one or more of conductivepaths, semiconductor devices, or polymer materials, in accordance withU.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598. The fastener can also comprise an adhesivewristband closure in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,906, a closuremechanism in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,797, a rivet, a staple,a crimp, or a heat-created bond, which securely attaches the ends of thewristband to each other and closes the wristband around the wearer'swrist.

[0052]FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an improved secureidentification band 90. As with any of the embodiments described in thisdisclosure, an identification “band” may comprise a wristband, bracelet,patch, headband, armband, legband, ankleband, fingerband, toe band,necklace, card, sticker, waistband, belt, or other wearable appliance.The identification band may include data that is perceivable to humans,animals, or machines. For example, the emission of an aerosol chemicalor scent may be easily detectable by an animal such as a dog. Humans areintended fall under the “animal” category. Further, the data may bealphanumeric data, optical character recognizable data (such as barcodes), images, photographs, magnetically readable data, and/orbiometric data. Biometric data refers to data, which can be used toidentify a person such as the person's fingerprint, retina, blood, DNA,or voice data. In this particular example illustration, theidentification band 90 includes a structure 91 that is suitable to beworn by, attached to, or carried by a person. Preferably, theidentification band 90 is a wristband and the structure 91 is anelongate, flexible wristband material. For example, the structure 91 maybe an elongated flexible strip or laminated combination of polymeric,paper, or organic substrate. As used in this specification, “organic”includes polymeric. However, the identification band 90 need not beattached only to the wrist of a person as it also can be attached to theankle, neck, or other part of a person or animal, or to an object. Thefastening of the band 90 closes a circuit 92 and enables circuitfunctions such as RFID functions. If desired, the opening of thefastener, opens or disables the circuit 92. The improved band 90comprises a substrate structure 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts93 and 94, adjusting holes 95, and conductors 96 and 97, which connectthe circuit 92 to each fastener part 93 and 94. The fastener preferablycloses an electronic circuit, makes an electrical connection whenfastened, or otherwise enables an electronic circuit by, for example,electrical or capacitive coupling. Alternatively, the fastener may beelectrically conductive. Still alternatively, the fastener may enable acircuit by inductive or magnetic coupling. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, the circuit 92 preferably includes othercircuits, such as antenna circuitry, communication circuitry, signalgenerator circuitry, programmable encoder circuitry and interconnectioncircuitry. Further and as with any embodiments in this disclosure, thecircuit may perform a variety of functions including communicationfunctions such as RFID. In one embodiment, a surface mount RFID chipcontaining electronic circuits is mounted within the identification bandand electrically connected to an antenna. Alternatively, the RFID chipmay be formed by deposition on a layer or layers in the structure 91, oron both sides of a layer in the structure 91. The circuitry comprisingthe communication circuit can be, in various combinations, carried inthe substrate 91, or formed by deposition on a layer in the substrate 91of one or more of conductive paths, semiconductor devices, or polymermaterials. A circuit consisting entirely of conductive, insulatingand/or semiconductive materials directly deposited on the substrate 91may also be used. In fact, any of the circuits-on the identificationband can be made either partially or totally from semiconductors,conductors and insulators, and may be fabricated of inorganic or organicmaterials, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes. An exemplary technique for forming an organic device, such asan organic semiconductor, is described in an article by Gamier et al.entitled “All-Polymer Field-Effect Transistor Realized by PrintingTechniques” (Science, Vol. 265, Sep. 16, 1994), the entire article ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In otherwords, the identification band may have electronic components madeeither partially or totally from semiconductors, conductors andinsulators, which may be inorganic or organic, and which may be printedon the identification band. U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598 describes organiccomponents, any of which may be used in the improved identificationband. Further, a memory containing organic material is described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 2001000817107, titled “Integrated CircuitProvided with a Substrate and with a Memory, Transponder, and Method ofProgramming a Memory,” issued Nov. 29, 2001 to U.S. Philips Corp., theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.It is preferable for the components of the identification band 90 to bethin so it is comfortable to wear. Additionally, it is preferable forthe substrate 91 and the printed components to be flexible.

[0053] Further, as with any embodiment having a circuit, the circuit 92of FIG. 2 may include a control logic or processing unit, which may be amicroprocessor, microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU),arithmetic logic unit (ALU), math coprocessor, floating pointcoprocessor, graphics coprocessor, hardware controller, programmablelogic device programmed for use as a controller, or other control logic.The circuit may include any of the circuits described in this disclosureor known to those of skill in the art of circuit design. As with any ofthe embodiments described in this disclosure, the circuit further mayinclude an optional data storage device, such as a memory of any kind.The data storage device or memory may be fabricated out of inorganicmaterials, organic materials, or a combination of inorganic and organicmaterials. The identification band 90, and any of the identificationbands described in this disclosure, may include an antenna such as amicrostrip antenna described in copending U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, titled “Microstrip Antenna for an Identification Appliance,”filed on Mar. 5, 2002, whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

[0054] When the fastener closes, the parts 93 and 94 of the fastenercome into contact, which closes the circuit 92 through the conductors 96and 97, thereby enabling circuit functions. The conductors 96 and 97 mayeach comprise two or more separate electrical conductors that areconnected to the circuit 92; the conductors further may comprise one ormore of conductive wire or fiber, conductive foil, meltable conductor,or a printed conductor. In communication with the conductors is afastener comprising one or more of a conductive adhesive, a conductiveclosure mechanism, a magnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet orstaple, a crimped attachment, or a heat-created bond in proximity to theconductors, any of which when applied electrically connects, enables anelectrical connection between, or alters the capacitance between, theconductors, thereby closing one or more electrical circuits, which may,for example, power the circuit 92, connect an antenna, tune the antenna,or change a logic state input to the circuit 92.

[0055] Other fasteners that can be used in any of the embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure include applying to the overlappingportions of the substrate one or more of the steps of permanentlydeforming the substrate to bond together the overlapped portions,rupturing walls of adhesive-filled microspaces in the substrate andoptionally curing the adhesive by radio frequency, heat or ultravioletexposure, rupturing walls of microspaces in the substrate separatelyfilled with adhesive and catalyst that mix and cure thereupon, or bymelting together adjacent surface areas of the overlapped portions,which when performed, securely attaches the ends of the wristband toeach other, thereby closing the wristband around the wearer's wrist. Aswith any embodiment described in this disclosure, the fastener mayenable a circuit by, for example, electrical, inductive, capacitativecoupling.

[0056] Yet another alternative is to attach the identification band by ameans similar to a belt buckle. For example, the buckle may be mountedto one end of the substrate 91 and which when opened, allows freemovement of the other end of the substrate though the buckle so that theband be adjustably fitted to the wearer. The buckle design also permitsremoval of the identification band from the wearer for reuse. The bucklemay comprise an electrical conductor and circuit-activating means toactivate the circuit 92 when the identification band is fastened and todeactivate the circuit 92 when the identification band is unfastened orremoved. The buckle can made of an electrically conductive metal of atype that is known to be suitable for buckles, including but not limitedto an alloy of iron, copper or aluminum; the buckle can also be made ofa polymer having an electrically conductive coating thereon. Thecircuit-activating means may comprise two separate electrical conductorsin the substrate 91, each of which separately connects to the circuit 92and extends toward the end of the substrate that does not have thebuckle. When the buckle closes and clamps the substrate 91 between themovable and fixed portions of the buckle, a direct contact or acapacitive gap forms between each conductor and the buckle conductor, orthe buckle alternatively brings together associated conductive surfaces,thereby closing an electrical circuit, which in turn activates thecircuit 92. When the buckle is opened and the identification band isremoved, the direct contact or capacitive gap between each conductor andthe buckle conductor is broken, thereby opening the electrical circuit,which in turn deactivates the circuit 92.

[0057] The securement of the identification band may be permanent forthe usage life of the band, or may be temporary and defeatable by anauthorized procedure. In the case of temporary securement, theidentification band may be re-used and re-secured using an authorizedprocedure or method by an authorized agency or person.

[0058] Any of the identification appliances or bands described in thisdisclosure may have electromagnetic energy absorption means so that theidentification band may be energized by an external electromagneticfield signal. For example, an antenna may obtain power from a receivedsignal, where the power is used to power some or all of the circuits onthe identification appliance. The interrogating/powering electromagneticsignal provides power and enabling information to the identificationband. The interrogating/powering signals may contain a power signal onlyor both a power signal and information modulated onto the power signal.Upon energizing by an electromagnetic signal, the identification bandmay display optically readable information according to the dataprogrammed in the band, stored in the band, or received from theinterrogating/enabling device.

[0059] Likewise, any of the identification appliance described in thisdisclosure may include an optional audio, visual, or sensory (e.g.,vibrating) device to display information such as the scanned biometricdata and alphanumeric information. The display may be a light emittingpolymer diode, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a diode-capacitordirectly connected to an antenna that may be a resonant antenna. Anexample of a diode-capacitor is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/723,897, titled “Rectifying Charge Storage Element” and filed onNov. 28, 2000, the entirety of which application is incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes. The diode-capacitor may, for example,include a LEDICAP, which is a diode-capacitor formed with alight-emitting polymer that emits light when current flows through it.The display can be always on, turned on by the circuit in theidentification band, or activated by an external electromagnetic fieldsignal. If an interrogating/powering electromagnetic signal includes apower signal and data modulated onto the power signal, the display mayindicate only the presence of an interrogating or powering field, or itmay indicate the data transmitted with the interrogating or poweringfield. Still alternatively, the display may indicate data derived frominternal data in the identification band, a combination of informationfrom both the identification band and the interrogating/powering field,or information derived from the band and/or the field.

[0060] The display may consist of a single device or a plurality ofdevices. A single device may be formed in an arbitrary shape, includingan alphanumeric character, logo, or other recognizable symbol orpicture. A plurality of devices may be formed into a matrix (row/columnaddressable) or another combination that creates a variety of differentrecognizable visual outputs such as pre-formed characters or symbols.The display may be based on an array of pixels. The display may be aflexible display formed on or attached to the substrate of theidentification band. The display may be formed of reflectivetechnologies such as electrophoretic, ferroelectric, cholesteric, oremissive technologies such as organic LED (OLED), PDLC (a reflectivemode polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal display) plasma, or cholestericnematic (passive matrix LCD) technologies. A reflective display may beattached to or formed on the identification band, and the reflectivedisplay may be either volatile, where the display only produces anoptical output when it is powered, or nonvolatile, where the displayretains its optical state even after power is withdrawn from it. Anonvolatile display may be write-once or be reprogrammable. The displaymay provide information that is optically readable as image data byhumans or machines, or a time-varying modulated optical signal (e.g.,from a light-emitting diode or composite organic light-emitting device)that may be decoded remotely by an electro-optical receiver.

[0061] Any of the identification appliances or bands described in thisdisclosure may include an optional optical information transmissionmeans so that information programmed or stored in the identificationband may be transmitted optically as a modulated signal, through any ofthe known modulation techniques. Such an optical device may includesilicon and organic or polymer light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0062]FIG. 3 illustrates another example embodiment of an improvedsecure identification band 90. The band 90 has a circuit 92 that opensand disables certain functions, such as communication or RFID functions,when the band is torn, cut, or overly stretched. The band 200 comprisesat least one substrate 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93 and94, adjusting holes 95, and a conductor 99 that forms a closed circuitwith the circuit 92. When the band 90 is torn, cut, or overly stretched,the conductor 99 breaks, thereby opening the circuit and disablingcircuit functions. The conductor 99 may comprise a pattern of electricalinterconnections in the substrate 91, the conductors of which compriseone or more of a conductive wire or fiber, conductive foil, organicconductor, or printed conductor. When the band 90 is torn, cut, oroverly stretched, the conductor 99 is severed or broken, therebydisconnecting portions of the circuit 92, which may in turn power thecircuit 92 off, disconnect an antenna, detune the antenna, or change oneor more logic state inputs to the circuit 92.

[0063] Alternatively, circuit functions can also be disabled by using apattern of non-conductive fibers in the substrate 91 that are strongerthan substrate and electrical interconnections therein; when the band 90is stretched or twisted, the fibers tear the substrate 91 and ruptureelectrical circuits therein, which destroys or renders inoperative, forexample, a data storage device in the circuit 92, a data transmissiondevice in the circuit 92, some other circuit in the circuit 92, or theentire circuit 92. This alternative approach may be implemented in anyof the other embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0064]FIG. 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an improvedsecure identification band 90. Band 90 has a circuit 92 that closes andenables certain circuit functions when the band 90 is fastened and thatopens and disables certain circuit functions when the band 90 isunfastened or is torn, cut, or overly stretched. As shown in FIG. 4, theband 90 comprises a substrate 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93and 94, adjusting holes 95, and conductors 96 and 97 that connect thecircuit 92 to each fastener part 93 and 94. The fastener preferablycloses an electrical circuit or makes an electrical connection whenfastened. Alternatively, the fastener may be electrically conductive.When the fastener closes, the parts 93 and 94 of the fastener come intocontact, thereby closing the circuit 92 through the conductors 96 and 97and enabling circuit functions. When the band 90 is unfastened, or istorn, cut, or overly stretched and conductor 96 or 97 breaks, thecircuit opens and disables certain or all circuit functions. Theconductors 96 and 97 may comprise two or more separate electricalconductors that are connected to the circuit 92, the conductorscomprising one or more of conductive wire or fiber, conductive foil,meltable conductor, or a printed conductor. In communication with theconductors may be a fastener comprising one or more of a conductiveadhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, a magnetic closure mechanism,a conductive rivet or staple, a crimp, or a heat-created bond inproximity to the conductors, any of which when applied electricallyconnects the conductors, enables an electrical connection between, oralters the capacitance between, the conductors, thereby closing one ormore electrical circuits that may, for example, power the circuit 92,connect an antenna, tune the antenna, or change a logic state input tothe circuit 92. When the electrical circuits are opened by unfastening,stretching, or cutting the band 90, portions of the circuit 92 aredisconnected, which may power off portions or all of the circuit 92,disconnect an antenna, detune the antenna, or change a logic state inputto the circuit 92. As previously mentioned, circuit functions can bedisabled alternatively by using a pattern of non-conductive fibers inthe substrate 91 that are stronger than substrate 91 and electricalinterconnections therein. When the band 90 is overly stretched ortwisted, the fibers tear or deform the substrate 91 and ruptureelectrical circuits therein, thereby destroying a data storage device inthe circuit 92, a data transmission device in the circuit 92, any othercircuit in the circuit 92, or the entire circuit 92.

[0065]FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of an improvedsecure identification band containing an ink or dye that is released bytampering. As shown in FIG. 5, the example band 90 comprises a substrate91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93 and 94, adjusting holes 95,and container 98 containing an ink or dye that is released when the band90 is torn, cut, or overly stretched. The ink-releasing means comprisesan ink-filled space 98 in the band 90 and an empty space in the band 90that is adjacent to the ink-filled space 98. When the band 90 is overlystretched, twisted, torn or cut, the wall ruptures between theink-filled space 98 and the adjacent empty space, thereby leaking inkinto the empty space and visibly discoloring the band 90. Alternatively,the wall ruptures between the ink-filled space 98 and the exteriorsurface of the band 90. In addition, the ink or dye may contain achemical aerosol or scent perceivable by a machine (e.g., electronicchemical defecteor) or an animal, such as a dog or a human.

[0066] Alternatively, the identification band may be attached by meanssimilar to a belt buckle, as previously discussed. For example, thebuckle may be mounted to one end of the substrate 91 and which whenopened, allows free movement of the other end of the substrate thoughthe buckle so that the band be adjustably fitted to the wearer. Thebuckle design also permits removal of the identification band from thewearer for reuse. A dye tack in communication with the buckle releasesdye when the buckle or dye-tack is subjected to tampering. The dye orink tack may be similar to those used for retail theft deterrence, haslocking parts that can be removed intact only with a special tool, andis attached in such a manner that a portion of the dye tack closes overor around a portion of the closed buckle. When an unauthorized attemptis made to open the buckle or to remove the dye tack from theidentification band, a dye-filled vial in the dye tack is broken,thereby leaking dye out and discoloring identification band or markingthe skin of the person who is tampering with the buckle or dye tack.Again, an aerosol chemical or scent may be contained in the dye tack,which is detectable to an animal, human, or machine.

[0067]FIG. 6 illustrates still another example embodiment of an improvedidentification band 700 that, when attached, creates an identifyingpattern in both visible and electronic forms. As shown in FIG. 6, theexample improved identification band 700 comprises a substrate 705having a circuit 710 and an identification area 715 with a shadedbackground into which conductor pairs 720 from the circuit 710 terminatewith connections 725. To attach the identification band 700, the firstend 730 is placed over the second end 735, and holes 740 are punchedthrough, or embossed into area 715 with the aid of alignment marks 735,thereby stitching together the overlapped ends, forming a visiblepattern, and connecting and/or disconnecting specific pairs or randomcombinations of conductors 720 to form an electrical circuit ofconnected and/or disconnected pairs, which in turn set logic stateinputs to the circuit 710 corresponding to the pattern. As with any ofthe embodiments, encoding the identity of a person, object or entityincludes forming a unique pattern of one or more of an arrangement offigures, symbols or characters, a bar code, or a drawing correspondingto that identity. Forming a visible identification of the person, objector entity may include one or more of the following steps: forming anembossment, which embossment may include coloring with an ink;activating colorless material in the substrate to become colored;activating colorless adhesive and catalyst in the substrate to becomecolored when mixed or cured; and using a material or adhesive andcatalyst that is sensitive to applied pressure or heat so as to make avisible pattern. Optionally, the embossed pattern may be visible onlybecause of its contours. Applying the identifying pattern to themechanical securement device includes one or more of mechanically,electrically, or thermally engraving, cutting, impressing, or embossingthe pattern. In an example of the use of such a band 700, a numbercorresponding to a security clearance level of the wearer, such as thenumber “3”, or an official seal can be applied at the time ofattachment. Thus, a visible indication of that clearance, and anelectronic indication based on the formed electrical circuit andtransmitted by the circuit 710, are available for controlling access toa secure area or to classified information.

[0068] The data stored hi the identification band may include any kindof information. For instance, the data may comprise identity data,financial transaction data, or medical data. Any of the data may beencrypted prior to the data being stored in the identification band. Asanother example, bands with the same pattern and related information canbe attached to a person and to a set of baggage, the pattern identifyingboth the person and an airline flight, so that only persons and baggageidentified for that flight will be allowed on the aircraft, and theperson can only claim baggage having bands with that same pattern.

[0069] An alternative to any of the embodiments described in thisdisclosure is to associate more than one identity with an identificationband. For example, a first identifying pattern and a second identifyingpattern may be stored or contained on the identification band. The firstand second identifying patterns may manifest in different ways. As anexample, the first identifying pattern forms a visible firstidentification, while the second identifying pattern forms electricaldata in a data storage device in the identification band. Moreover, thefirst and second identifying patterns may be used to identify the sameor different people. For instance, the first identifying pattern may beassociated with the person who is distributing or attaching theidentification band and the second identifying pattern may be associatedwith the wearer of the identification band.

[0070] A battery or power source may be provided to power a memory,logic, circuit, or other function of the identification band essentialto its useful operation. In order to safeguard the security ofinformation stored in the identification band in any of the embodimentsdescribed, the identification band may have a battery that runs out ofpower at or within a predetermined time period or on a certain calendardate/time, or a circuit that stops its operation or erases the storedinformation at or within a predetermined time period or on a certaincalendar date/time. To make the battery life run out, the circuit mayimpose a fixed load on the battery, a programmable constant load on thebattery, or upon the expiration of a timer, impose a load on thebattery. Alternatively, the identification band may have a lock mode fordata-stored in a data storage device such as a memory such that the datais not accessible without the proper equipment, password, and/ormatching of identifying data with the user trying to gain access to theinformation.

[0071]FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an improvedidentification band that stores biometric information. As shown in FIG.7, the improved band 1000 comprises a substrate 1005 having a circuit1010, a fastener with parts 1015 and 1020, adjusting holes 1025, a datastorage device 1030 that is preferably a nonvolatile memory, and a jackor electrical contacts 1035 for receiving biometric information to bestored in the data storage device 1030. For example and as with anyembodiment described in this disclosure that may have a data storagedevice, the data storage device 1030 may be a random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM),electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), organic PROM, organic RAM,anti-fuse PROM, ultraviolet light erasable PROM (UVPROM), fixed diskmedia, flexible disk media, flash memory, tape, or any other storageretrieval means, or any combination of these volatile and non-volatilememory means. The data storage device or memory can include any of thedata storage devices or memories described in this disclosure or knownto those of skill in the art of such devices. Also, as with anyembodiment described in this disclosure, the data storage device ormemory may further permit reading only, reading and writing, or writingonly.

[0072] Further, as with any embodiment, the data storage device maystore a link or address to information stored in an external database.This external database, which may be resident on an external system suchas a computer, host system, or wireless network, and can preferably beaccessed through the Internet. In such a case, the identificationappliance transmits the link or address to the information in thedatabase, whereupon receipt, the receiving device accesses the databaseand retrieves the actual information. This allows the data storagedevice to store less information locally, which can make theidentification appliance smaller and thinner, while not sacrificing theamount of information being transferred. As an example, the database maystore the entire medical history of the authorized bearer of theidentification appliance, which medical history may be stored on thehospital's computer and which the hospital may update. Thus, byproviding a pointer or link to the medical history, the information willbe the most recent version and other people may add to, delete from, orotherwise modify the information, if desired. In another example, thedatabase may store the digitized fingerprint data of the authorizedbearer of the identification appliance, which can require a large amountof storage space that cannot be readily put onto the identificationappliance.

[0073] As an example of the use of the improved band shown in FIG. 7, atthe time of attachment of the band 1000 to a wearer 1040, the wearer1040 is scanned by a charge-coupled device camera 1045 communicatingwith an encoder 1050 that converts the image signal to encoded imagedata and transmits that data through a cable 1055, a removable plug 1060inserted into jack 1035, and into the data-storage device 1030. Afterattachment of the band 1000 and storage of the image data therein, theplug 1060 is detached from the jack 1035 and the wearer 1040 is free tomove around. To later ascertain or verify the identity of the wearer1040, the image data is transmitted by the circuit 1010 to a reader1065, such as a RFID reader, decoded and rendered into a viewable image1070, and then compared with the actual appearance of the wearer 1040.

[0074] Optionally, biological characteristics of the wearer 1040 may bestored in the band 1000 by transferring encoded biometric data to thedata storage device 1030 on the band 1000 by electric current, electricor magnetic fields, or electromagnetic waves. For example, biometricdata may include any images of or data about the wearer's fingerprints,retina, iris, face, DNA, genetic data such as a portion of the wearer'sgenome sequence or genes, or a time domain or frequency domain responseof the wearer's voice, or a biochemical assay of the wearer's scent,blood, or breath. In other applications, the biometric data may berelated to a person's signature, signature plus handwriting dynamics,iris, retina, face recognition, voiceprint, voiceprint and voice stress,fingerprint, other skin pattern, chemical signature (e.g., smell, blood,sweat), DNA, genetic data, or some electric, magnetic, acoustic, orother biometric characteristic. Alternatively, the biometric sensor mayprovide data about the wearer for purposes other than foridentification. For instance, the biometric sensor may be incorporatedinto the identification appliance to monitor or detect the wearer'spulse rate, heart electrical signals, blood pressure, insulin levels,temperature and the like, where such biometric data may be transmittedto other devices (such as monitoring computers at a hospital)constantly, intermittantly, or upon alert conditions. The biometricsensor may be coupled to a data storage device, communication circuit,optical data display, or other components of the identification band.The biometric data may be encoded, converted into a data formataccording to a predetermined data template, and stored in a data storagedevice on the identification appliance. To verify the identity of thewearer of the identification appliance, any known method of comparingthe stored biometric data and the wearer's biometric data may be used.For example, one method may be to determine the probability of a match.As an example of such a method, an XOR (“exclusive or”) operation can beperformed on the stored biometric data and the wearer's currentbiometric data to produce a third data set indicating those items in thefirst and second data sets that are not identical. A higher number ofnon-identical items will indicate a higher probability that the weareris not the person whose encoded biometric data is stored in theidentification band, and that number can also be compared to thresholdnumbers above which there are various predetermined levels of suchprobability (e.g. high, intermediate, or low). In accordance withcorresponding biological features, data items can also be weighted inproportion to their effects on the overall certainty of identityverification. For instance, fingerprint data may be given higher weightthan iris data. The results of the data comparison can also be displayedin a manner suitable for human judgment of probability.

[0075]FIG. 8 illustrates another example embodiment of an improvedidentification band 1200 in which biometric information and alphanumericinformation are stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the improved band 1200comprises a substrate 1205 having an RFID circuit 1210, a fastener withparts 1215 and 1220, adjusting holes 1225, a data storage device 1230that is preferably a nonvolatile memory, and a jack 1235 for receivingencoded information to be stored in the data storage device 1230. Afirst set of receptacles within jack 1235 communicates with a first areain the data storage device 1230 that is reserved for biometricinformation, and a second set of receptacles communicates with a secondarea in the data storage device 1230 that is reserved for alphanumericinformation. The jack 1235 may be configured to accept only one plug, ormore than one plug, at a time.

[0076] As an example of the use of the improved band 1200 shown in FIG.8, at the time of attachment of the band 1200 to a wearer 1240, thewearer 1240 is scanned by a charge-coupled device camera 1245communicating with an encoder 1250 that converts the image signal toencoded image data and transmits that data through a first cable 1255, afirst removable plug 1260 having pins 1262 that insert into the firstset of receptacles within jack 1235, and into the area of the datastorage device 1230 reserved for biometric information. Subsequently,the wearer 1240 enters a personal identification number (“PIN”) 1265shown in FIG. 8 as “5612” into keypad-encoder 1270 that converts the PINsequence 1265 to encoded alphanumeric data and transmits that datathrough a second cable 1275, a second removable plug 1280 having pins1282 that insert into the second set of receptacles within jack 1235,and into the area of the data storage device 1230 reserved foralphanumeric information. After attachment of the band 1200 to thewearer 1240, storage of the image and PIN data therein, and removal ofplugs 1260 and 1280 from the jack 1235, the wearer is free to movearound. To later ascertain or verify the identity of the wearer theimage and PIN data are transmitted by the circuit 1210 to a reader 1285such as a RFID reader, decoded and rendered into a viewable image andalphanumeric data on video screen 1290. The person, machine, orauthorized agency making the verification can then compare the viewedimage with the actual appearance of the wearer, and, for additionalsecurity, compare the viewed PIN to a PIN communicated by the wearer.Optionally, a signal may indicate whether the PINs matched.Alternatively to an electrical connection to a jack, anelectromagnetically coupled circuit such as those used in a RFID tag maybe used to transfer data. This method requires no physical contact withthe circuitry of the identification band.

[0077]FIG. 9 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification band, which stores biometric andalphanumeric information and whose circuit functions are activated whenthe band is attached or deactivated when the band is unfastened, tom,cut, or overly stretched. As shown in FIG. 9, the improved band 1400comprises a substrate 1405 having a circuit 1410, an electricallyconductive fastener with parts 1415 and 1420, adjusting holes 1425, adata storage device 1430 that is preferably a nonvolatile memory in thecircuit 1410 and a jack 1435 for receiving encoded biometric andalphanumeric information to be stored in the data storage device 1430.Alternatively, the data may be programmed into the data storage deviceof FIGS. 7-9 by electromagnetic coupling, such as through RF waves.Conductors 1440 and 1445 connect the circuit 1410 to each fastener part1415 and 1420. When the fastener closes, the parts 1415 and 1420 of thefastener come into contact, thereby closing the circuit through theconductors 1440 and 1445, enabling circuit functions, and making thestored data available for transmission by the circuit 1410. When theband 1400 is unfastened, or is torn, cut, or overly stretched andconductor 1440 or 1445 breaks, the circuit opens and disables any or allcircuit functions. Optionally, the opening of the circuit may cause thecircuit to alter or destroy any data stored in memory 1430. If the band1400 is reattached, again closing the circuit through the conductors1440 and 1445 and enabling circuit functions, the originally-storeddata, having been altered, is no longer available for transmission.

[0078]FIG. 10 is a representative illustration of an example method ofusing an improved identification band for passenger ticketing andboarding, such as at an airport, boat dock, train station, bus stationand the like. As shown in FIG. 10, when a passenger 1510 checks in at aticket counter, ticket information 1520 and, for example, an image ofthe passenger 1510 from a charge-coupled device camera 1530 and/or otheridentifying data are stored in a data storage device that is preferablya nonvolatile memory on the band 1540. The band 1540 is then attached tothe wrist 1550 of the passenger 1510. Preferably, the band 1540 is thetype in which the stored data is altered or destroyed when the banddetects any tampering or detachment of the band. The band 1540 serves asa passenger ticket and boarding pass, and when the passenger 1510 isabout to board, the stored data in the data storage device on the band1540 on the wrist 1550 may be transmitted to a reader 1560, decoded andverified either automatically or by a human viewing data on a videoscreen 1570 so that the identity and proper ticketing of passenger 1510can be verified.

[0079]FIG. 11 is a representative illustration of an example method ofusing an improved identification band for passenger baggage tagging andclaiming. At departure, identification bands 1610 are prepared withstored encoded passenger image or other identifying data and ticketinformation, one of which is attached to the passenger's wrist 1620 as abaggage claim receipt and the rest of which are attached to thepassenger's baggage items 1630 as baggage tags. At the baggage claim inthe destination terminal, the stored data in the identification bands1610 on the wrist 1620 and on the baggage items 1630 are transmitted toa reader 1640, decoded and verified automatically or by a human viewingdata on a video screen 1650, so that the baggage items 1630 can beproperly claimed by matching the bands 1610 to each other.

[0080]FIG. 12 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has printed biometric data. The example identification appliancehas an elongate band 10, a band fastener 12, and a mating band fastener14 that mates with the band fastener 12. The identification appliancecan have printed information 16 and a portrait 18 or fingerprint 20.

[0081]FIG. 13 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with printed biometric data. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band, a band fastener 26, and amating band fastener 28 that mates with the band fastener 26. Theelongate band may comprise a top laminate 22 and a bottom laminate 24.Silicon and/or printed circuitry components 30 may be sandwiched betweenthe laminates 22, 24. The identification appliance may have printedbiometric information 32 on any of its surfaces.

[0082]FIG. 14 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a biometric sensor. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 34, a band fastener 36, and a mating band fastener 38 thatmates with the band fastener 36. As with any of the embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 40 may be embedded, printed, or otherwise deposited in or onthe elongate band 34. The identification appliance may include abiometric sensor 42. The biometric sensor 42 may scan or otherwiseobtain a person's fingerprint, iris, retina, or other identifyingbiometric feature and provide the biometric information to the circuitry40. An example of such a biometric sensor built from an optical deviceis as follows. The optical device may include a layered structurecontaining a light emitting device(s) and semi-transparent light sensingdevices for measuring light reflection of an object placed above thelayered device. By using these optical devices, the reflective signatureof a fingerprint could be illuminated, measured and recorded. Theoptical device may be a single device that senses the presence orabsence of light wavelengths, the intensity of light wavelengths, or atime-varying optical signal carrying information. Alternatively, theoptical device may comprise a plurality of sensing devices including alinear or two-dimensional array of sensors. The optical device mayinclude a non-visible (i.e. infra-red or ultra-violet) optical input,optical output, or power conversion element. As with any of thedescribed embodiments, the biometric sensor may be an optical sensor, aheat sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, anelectromagnetic sensor, or an acoustic sensor; the biometric sensor maybe a plurality of devices that may be formed into a matrix (row/columnaddressable) or other spatially distributed pattern of elements. Thecircuitry 40 preferably includes other circuits, such as antennacircuitry, signal generator circuitry, communication circuitry,programmable encoder circuitry and interconnection circuitry, and isadapted to control and interact with the biometric sensor 42. Thecircuitry for the biometric sensor 42 may be made of silicon, organicmaterials, or other thin materials. Further, biometric information 44may be printed on the band 34. The circuitry 40 may then compare thescanned biometric data with stored biometric data to determine theircorrelation. The identification appliance, as with any of theembodiments described in this disclosure, may include an audio, visual,or sensory (e.g., vibrating) device to indicate whether a correlation ormatch exists. As with any embodiment described in this disclosure, anoptional antenna, electronic data storage device or memory, battery orpower source, display, and/or printed biometric or alphanumericinformation may be included as well.

[0083]FIG. 15 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, which has a biometric sensor and a wirelesscommunication circuit such as a RFID circuit. The wireless communicationcircuit may incorporate any of the features, such as Bluetoothcompatibility, described in concurrently filed U.S. patent applicationSer. No. ______ , titled “Wearable Identification Appliance ThatCommunicates With A Wireless Communications Network Such As Bluetooth,”the entirety of which application is incorporated herein by referencefor all purposes. The example identification appliance has an elongateband 46, a band fastener 48, a mating band fastener 50 that mates withthe band fastener 48, silicon and/or printed circuitry components 56that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on theelongate band 46, a communication antenna 52 such as a RFID antenna thatmay be embedded or attached to the band 46, a biometric sensor 54, andprinted biometric information 58 printed on the band 46. The biometricsensor 54, as with any of the embodiments in this disclosure, may scan aperson's fingerprint, iris, retina, voice, or other identifyingbiometric feature. Of course, there may be more than one biometricsensor if desired. The biometric sensor 54 may be disposed in theelongate band 46, a securement structure used to fasten theidentification band to a person, or both.

[0084]FIG. 16 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has a biometric sensor, a wireless communication circuit such as aRFID circuit, and an electronic memory or data storage device. Theexample identification appliance has an elongate band 60, a bandfastener 62, a mating band fastener 64 that mates with the band fastener62, silicon and/or printed circuitry components 74 that may be embeddedor printed or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 60, acommunication antenna 68 such as a RFID antenna that may be embedded orattached to the band 60, a biometric sensor 70, an electronic memory 72,and printed biometric information 66 printed on the band 60. Thecircuitry 74 preferably includes other circuits, such as antennacircuitry, signal generator circuitry, communication circuitry,programmable encoder circuitry and interconnection circuitry, and isadapted to control and interact with the biometric sensor 70 andelectronic memory or data storage device 72. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, the data storage device 72 may be any kindof memory or data storage device. The biometric sensor 70 may scan aperson's fingerprint, iris, retina, voice, or other identifyingbiometric feature. Of course, there may be more than one biometricsensor if desired. The circuitry 74 may then compare the scannedbiometric data with biometric data stored in the data storage device 72to see if they match. The identification appliance may include an audio,visual, or sensory (e.g., vibrating) device to display the biometricdata and/or to indicate whether a match exists, which device mayoptionally communicate the data remotely to a remote sensor or displaydevice; such a display can be any of the displays described in thisdisclosure or known to those of skill in the art of displays.

[0085]FIG. 17 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a biometric sensor 82 and display 88. Theidentification appliance of FIG. 17 is similar to that of FIG. 16,except that FIG. 17 specifically illustrates a display 88. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 76, a band fastener 78, amating band fastener 80 that mates with the band fastener 78, acommunication antenna 86 such as a RFID antenna that may be embedded orattached to the band 76, and a biometric sensor 82. The identificationappliance has silicon and/or printed circuitry components 84 that may beembedded, printed, or otherwise disposed in or on the elongate band 76or its various layers. The biometric sensor 82 may sense or scan aperson's fingerprint, iris, retina, voice, or other identifyingbiometric feature. The circuitry 84 may then compare the scannedbiometric data with biometric data stored in the data storage device todetermine if they match. The display 88 may display the biometric orother data and/or indicate whether a match exists in a mannerperceptible to a person, such as by an audible, visual, or sensory(e.g., vibrating) device. An optional antenna, electronic data storagedevice or memory, acoustic sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heatsensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor,flexible keypad, battery or power source, and/or printed biometric oralphanumeric information may be included as well. As with any of theembodiments described in this disclosure, these optional devices andsensors may be disposed in the elongate band, a securement structureused to fasten the identification band to a person, or both.

[0086]FIG. 18 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with photovoltaic cells. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 100, a band fastener 102, a mating band fastener 104 thatmates with the band fastener 102, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 106 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 100, and one or more photovoltaic cells 108. Thephotovoltaic cells 108 provide power, and optionally information such asa data signal from an optical source, to the circuitry 106. To generatephotoelectric power, a photodiode (formed of silicon, amorphous silicon,or organic material) or photodiode array may be attached to or formed onthe identification band. The photodiode could generate electric power topower the circuitry on the band, or recharge a battery attached to orformed in or on the band. The photodiode can also serve as a signalinput transducer for information input to the identification band, whichinformation may be transmitted to the identification band by a lightsource modulated by the information content. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, an optional antenna, electronic datastorage device or memory, biometric sensor, acoustic sensor, chemicalsensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor,electromagnetic sensor, flexible keypad, battery or power source,display, and/or printed biometric or alphanumeric information may beincluded as well.

[0087]FIG. 19 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with embedded circuitry and a microstrip or patch antenna. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 110, a band fastener 112,a mating band fastener 114 that mates with the band fastener 112,silicon and/or printed circuitry components 118 that may be embedded orprinted or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 110, printedbiometric information 116, and a microstrip or patch antenna 120. Aconductor or conductors 119 may span the length of the band 110 and beconnected to the circuit 118, which conductors will break if the band istampered with and optionally inform the circuit 118. The microstripantenna 120 may be any of those described in co-pending patentapplication filed on Mar. 5, 2002, titled “Microstrip Antenna forIdentification Appliance”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/______,the entirety of which application is hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes. Such a microstrip antenna provides certain advantages,such as directing more of the radiating energy away from the wearer toimprove the transmission range of the identification appliance and toreduce directing energy toward the wearer for health reasons. Themicrostrip antenna may be added or deleted from any of-the embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure.

[0088]FIG. 20 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which performs signal processing and computation and has an electronicdata storage device or memory. The example identification appliance hasan elongate band 122, a band fastener 124, a mating band fastener 126that mates with the band fastener 124, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 132 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 122, printed biometric information 128, anantenna 130 and an electronic data storage device or memory 134. Thecircuitry 132 may include signal transmission circuitry, signalreception circuitry, data processing circuitry and computationcircuitry, as desired. In this example, the circuitry 132, data storagedevice 134 and antenna 130 are sandwiched between the inner substrate ofthe body 122 and the structure carrying the printed information 128.

[0089]FIG. 21 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with one or more chemical sensors 144. The example identificationappliance has an elongate band 136, a band fastener 138, a mating bandfastener 140 that mates with the band fastener 138, silicon and/orprinted circuitry components 142 that may be embedded or printed orotherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 136, and an antenna 143.Further, an optional antenna, electronic data storage device or memory,biometric sensor, acoustic sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressuresensor, humidity sensor; electromagnetic sensor, flexible keypad,battery or power source, display, and/or printed biometric oralphanumeric information may be included. The chemical sensor may be anykind of chemical sensor. For example, it may sense physiologicalattributes of a person such as temperature, sweat content andpheromones.

[0090]FIG. 22 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with an acoustic transducer 164. Of course, a plurality of acoustictransducers may be provided, if desired. The acoustic sensors maycomprise audio transducers for audio input or output. An audio signalsuch as speech from the wearer may be transduced and processed by knowntechniques and transmitted by the communication circuit in theidentification appliance to a remote listener. Similarly, an audiosignal may be received by the identification appliance from a remotetransmitter by wireless communication, and processed and transduced tobe audible to the wearer. The identification appliance also may haveknown algorithms to process speech recognition or output synthesizedspeech. The acoustic sensor 164 may comprise a piezoelectric transducerthat detects acoustic waves. Other types of acoustic sensors may also beused. The acoustic information may be processed by a circuit 162, whichmay include any known voice activation or speech recognition algorithms.Further, the appliance may allow users to communicate two-way withremote units or have circuitry or algorithms to derive biometric data(such as a user's unique identifying speech patterns) from the user'sspeech. The example identification appliance has an elongate band 154, aband fastener 156, a mating band fastener 158 that mates with the bandfastener 156, silicon and/or printed circuitry components 162 that maybe embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band154, and printed biometric information 160. Further, an optionalantenna, electronic data storage device or memory, biometric sensor,chemical sensor, optical sensor, flexible keypad, battery or powersource, and/or display may be included as well.

[0091]FIG. 23 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with electro-optical or opto-electronic components 172. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 166, a band fastener 168,a mating band fastener 170 that mates with the band fastener 168, andsilicon and/or printed circuitry components 174 that may be embedded orprinted or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 166. Thecircuit 174 may control signals to or process signals from theelectro-optical components 172. For example, the electro-opticalcomponents 172 may perform various functions such as communicatingoptically with an external or internal device, signaling (e.g., by lightfrom a light emitting diode), indicating (e.g., by emitting light orvarying light reflectances), displaying (e.g., of alphanumeric or imagedata by pre-formed indicators or matrix of indicators), sensing (e.g.,of levels of light), and converting power (e.g., as a photovoltaiccell). As a further example, the electro-optical components 172 maycomprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be polymeric or organicLEDs as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598. If the electro-opticalcomponents 172 perform an optical communication function, they mayinclude optical fibers, light sources and/or light detectors such asphotodetectors. If desired, the electro-optical components 172 may actas an electro-optical display device by including liquid crystaldisplays, electrophoretic displays, gas discharge displays andelectromechanical displays. If desired, the electro-optical components172 may include an electro-optical input device by includingphotodiodes, photoresistors, photomultiplier tubes and other inputdevices. The electro-optical components 172 may be of silicon or othermaterials, while some electro-optical components 172 may be fabricatedpartially or predominantly of organic compounds. They may be inflexibleand attached on the identification appliance. Alternatively, they may beflexible and attached to or printed on the identification band. Theelectronic, electro-optical and visual components may be printed orotherwise deposited on the identification appliance's elongate structure(e.g., 91 in FIG. 2, 10 in FIG. 12).

[0092]FIG. 24 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with an optical sensor 198. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 188, a band fastener 190,a mating band fastener 192 that mates with the band fastener 190,printed information 194, and silicon and/or printed circuitry components196 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on theelongate band 188. The circuit 196 may control the optical sensor 198.For example, the optical sensor 198 may perform optical communicationwith an external or internal device. The optical sensor 198 may comprisea light detector such as a photodetector, or a charge coupled device tocapture images of, for example, a person's face, fingerprint, iris, orretina.

[0093]FIG. 25 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a flexible keypad 206. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 200, a band fastener 202, a mating band fastener 204 thatmates with the band fastener 202, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 208 that maybe embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 200, and an antenna 210. The circuit 208 maycontrol the keypad 206. Of course, the keypad 206 may comprise a fulltypewriter keyboard, a partial keyboard, a single key, or a plurality ofcustom function keys. The keypad 206 permits users to input data intothe circuit 208 or an optional data storage device. The keypad may bebased on symbolic or alpha-numeric data.

[0094]FIGS. 26A and 26B are representative illustrations of an examplemethod of embedding silicon and/or printed circuitry, or othercomponents, in an identification appliance such as an identificationband. A top laminate 212 and a bottom laminate 214 may be adhered toeach other. As shown by reference numeral 218, silicon and/or printedcircuitry 216 and other components may be formed or printed on eitherthe top or bottom laminates 212, 214, or both laminates, and additionalcomponents may be sandwiched between the top and bottom laminates 212,214. A manufacturing assembly is illustrated in FIG. 26B. The bottomlaminate material 214 is fed at 220 and a machine 224 adheres circuitry216 and other components to the bottom laminate 214. The top laminatematerial 214 is fed at reference numeral 222 and joined to the bottomlaminate 218 by laminating machine 226. A cutting device 228 separatesthe joined material into separate identification appliances. Of course,in any of the manufacturing processes described in this disclosure,other manufacturing steps known to those of skill in the art of makingidentification appliances may be used as desired.

[0095]FIGS. 27A and 27B are representative illustrations of an examplemethod of implementing printed circuitry in an identification appliancesuch as an identification band. The body material is fed at 230 and amachine 232 prints or deposits circuitry and other components onto thebody material. The machine may be an ink jet printing device, stencil,or any other method of imprinting inks or materials on a substrate. Acutting device 234 separates the body material into separateidentification appliances. In FIG. 27B, a bottom laminate material isfed at 238 and a machine 236 prints or otherwise deposits circuitry andother components onto the bottom laminate. The top laminate material isfed at reference numeral 240 and joined to the bottom laminate bylaminating machine 242. A cutting device 244 separates the joinedmaterial into separate identification appliances. Of course, othermanufacturing processes known to those of skill in the art of makingidentification appliances may also be used as desired.

[0096]FIG. 28 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a flexible battery or power source 258. In this particular example,the identification appliance has an elongate band formed out of a toplaminate 246 and a bottom laminate 248. A band fastener 252 mates withanother band fastener 256. Silicon and/or printed circuitry components260 also may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or betweenthe laminated band. The flexible battery 258 powers the circuit 260 aswell as any other component on the identification appliance requiringpower. Such other components may include, for example, an electronicdata storage device or memory, biometric sensor, acoustic sensor,chemical sensor, optical sensor, flexible keypad and display.Preferably, the battery 258 is thin and flexible. The battery 258 mayprovide primary or auxiliary power for electronic circuits. Optionally,the battery 258 may include a photovoltaic component so that the batteryis charged or recharged by ambient light; the photovoltaic cells andrecharging circuitry can be formed out of inorganic or organicmaterials. The battery 258 may be replaceable or not. The battery 258may be a flexible polymer battery imprinted on or constructed on theidentification appliance substrate, as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,973,598. The battery 258 may be activated when the identificationappliance is fastened to its object, or activated by the reception of anoptical signal or an electromagnetic signal. An identification appliancewith a battery 258 may be activated upon proper authorization or thestart of service.

[0097]FIG. 29 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a “button” style battery 269. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 261, a band fastener 262,a mating band fastener 263 that mates with the band fastener 262,silicon and/or printed circuitry components 264 that may be embedded orprinted or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 261, andprinted information 265. The battery 269 is a button-style battery inthis example embodiment. The battery 269 powers the circuit 264 as wellas any other component on the identification appliance requiring power.Such other components may include, for example, an electronic datastorage device or memory, biometric sensor, acoustic sensor, chemicalsensor, optical sensor, flexible keypad and display. Preferably, thebattery 269 is small and thin. The battery 269 may provide primary orauxiliary power for electronic circuits. The battery 269 is replaceable.

[0098] Any of the identification appliance embodiments described in thisdisclosure may be completely disposable, partially disposable, orreusuable. The disposable identification appliance may incorporate anyof the functions described in this disclosure, where the fastening meansis not re-usable and the functionality of the identification applianceis destroyed after its use. The identification appliance may have adisposable section (for example, the band) and a re-usable section (forexample, the circuit). The identification appliance also may be madewater resistant, waterproof, and/or resistant to certain solvents orchemicals used in the area of its application. If disposable, the bandor body is preferably made of an inexpensive material such as paper,plastic, or other laminate material. For example, FIG. 30 is arepresentative illustration of an example embodiment of an improvedidentification appliance, such as an identification band, that ispartially disposable. An example of a partially disposableidentification band is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/033,832, which is titled “Identification Device Having ReusableTransponder” and is published as PCT US98/04098. The identificationappliance comprises a disposable band 284 and a non-disposable “hub” 282of circuitry, sensors and other circuit components. The band 284 isfastened by inserting one end 288 of the band to the non-disposable hub282, which attachment is made more secure by a fastener 286, and byinserting the other end 290 of the band to the non-disposable hub 282,which attachment is made more secure by a fastener 286. When desired,the disposable band 284 may be unfastened from the non-disposable hub282 and disposed. A replacement band may be fastened to thenon-disposable hub 282. If the replacement band is for a different user,any data stored in the non-disposable hub 282 may be erased and updated.

[0099]FIG. 31 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification-appliance that is partiallydisposable. . The identification appliance comprises a disposableflexible plastic or rubber tube 292, which acts as a band and houses aninsertable and reusable circuit portion 294. The circuit portion 294 mayinclude any kind of circuits such as communication circuitry andbiometric circuitry.

[0100]FIG. 32 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved identification appliance that is reusable. This exampleidentification appliance comprises a non-disposable band 298, which maybe decorative to resemble jewelry or a watch. In or on the band 298 isplaced non-disposable circuitry, sensors and components 296. An optionallock mechanism 300 may be provided to secure the identificationappliance to a wearer and to allow the wearer to adjust its size. Thelock mechanism may be activated or inactivated either by the wearer oralternatively by the person or agency responsible for providing thesecurity function performed by the identification appliance. The lockingmay be mechanical or electromechanical. The locking or un-lockingfunction may be performed by remote communication or control, ifdesired.

[0101]FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C are representative illustrations of exampleembodiments of a biometric reader/verifier of identification appliances.Referring to FIG. 33A, a biometric sensor 302 is mounted on a grip 306.The biometric sensor 302 may be any of the biometric sensors known tothose of skill in the art of biometrics and those described in thisdisclosure. An interrogator 308 communicates, such as by radiofrequency, to the identification appliance in order to obtain thebiometric data stored in the appliance. An optional indicator or alarmsystem 304 may provide an audible, visible, or other perceptibleindication as to, for example, whether the biometric data obtained bythe biometric reader/verifier matches the biometric data stored in anidentification appliance. Turning to FIG. 33B, the grip 306 may have abiometric sensor 302 and indicator 304 built into the handle of thegrip. FIG. 33C is a representative illustration of a wearer of anidentification appliance using an example embodiment of areader/verifier. The user grasps the grip 306, thereby positioning theidentification appliance 307 within range of the interrogator 308. Theinterrogator 308 communicates, such as by radio frequency, with theidentification appliance 307 in order to obtain the biometric dataand/or other data stored in the appliance.

[0102]FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are representative illustrations of exampleapplications of a biometric identification appliance reader/verifier. Inparticular, FIG. 534A is a representative illustration of an exampleembodiment of a biometric turnstile system. The turnstile system allowsauthorized personnel to pass between the turnstile arm 328 and a post319. Device 318 may emit beams 322 that are used to detect whetheranyone is at the turnstile arm, or trying to go under the turnstile arm328. The device 318 may include a reader/verifier of identificationappliances. When a person wearing an identification appliance approachesthe turnstile arm 328, the beams 322 detect the person and readidentifying information, such as biometric data, from the identificationappliance. If the identifying information gives the wearer the privilegeor authority to pass, the turnstile arm 328 may be rotated out of theway to permit the wearer to pass. If, however, the wearer lacks theprivilege to pass, an optional visible alarm system 320 and/or audiblealarm system 332 may indicate that an unauthorized person is present.

[0103]FIG. 34B is a representative illustration of the details of analternative biometric turnstile arm that may be used in FIG. 34A. Theturnstile arm comprises a biometric sensor 312, a grip 314 with anoptional built in biometric sensor and an interrogator 316. Theturnstile arm has an axis 330 of rotation. The biometric sensor 312 maybe any of the biometric sensors known to those of skill in the art ofbiometrics and those described in this disclosure. The interrogator 316communicates, such as by radio frequency, to the identificationappliance in order to obtain identifying biometric data stored in theappliance. An optional indicator or alarm system may provide an audible,visible, or other perceptible indication as to, for example, whether thebiometric data obtained by the biometric sensor 312 matches the storedbiometric data obtained from the identification appliance.

[0104]FIG. 34C is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an biometric gate. A turnstile 326 prevents people fromentering a restricted area, such as a secure area or an amusement park.The turnstile includes a curved interrogator 324, which in thealternative, may have any suitable shape for reading a person'sidentification appliance. In the example illustrated in FIG. 34C, aperson wanting to gain access inserts his identification appliance, suchas an identification wristband, into the vicinity of the interrogator324. The interrogator 324 communicates, such as by radio frequency, tothe identification appliance in order to obtain identifying biometricdata stored in the appliance. The turnstile may include an biometricsensor 325 that obtains the person's biometric data (e.g., fingerprint,iris, retina scan). The interrogator 324 compares the person's biometricdata from the biometric sensor 325 and compares the data to thebiometric data obtained from the identification appliance. An optionalindicator or alarm system may provide an audible, visible, or otherperceptible indication as to whether there is a match or non-match ofbiometric data.

[0105]FIG. 35 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved secure identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with electronic tamper detection. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate body 342, a first patch of aplurality of conductive contacts 344, a second patch of a plurality ofconductive contacts 346 and a securing device 347. When the securingdevice 347 is closed (to fasten the identification appliance to awearer), a physical and electrical contact is formed between contacts344 and 346. The groups of contacts 344, 346 may be formed in patternssuch that when the identification appliance is secured by device 347,the resulting pattern of closed electrical contacts may be random orunpredictable. Circuitry 348 that may be embedded, printed, deposited,or otherwise placed in or on the band 342 monitors whether theelectrical contact is open or closed. If a closed electrical contact isopened, the circuit 348 determines that the identification appliance hasbeen tampered with or removed. Optionally, the identification appliancemay have an indicator to indicate the status of the identificationappliance.

[0106]FIG. 36 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an improved secure identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with electronic tamper detection using conductiveor non-conductive glue. The example identification appliance comprisesan elongate body 358, a first patch of a plurality of conductivecontacts 360, and a second patch of a plurality of contacts 362 thatmates with the first patch of contacts 360 to form a closed electricalcircuit when the band 358 is closed. Circuitry 364, which may beembedded, printed, deposited, or otherwise placed in or on the band 358monitors whether the electrical circuits are open or closed. An adhesivegel 366 may be used to close or fasten the ends of the band 358together. The adhesive 366 may be conductive or nonconductive. As withthe embodiment of FIG. 35, the groups of contacts may be closed in arandom or unpredictable pattern.

[0107]FIG. 37 is a representative illustration of an example embodimentof an airport security system 500 that uses an improved secureidentification appliance, such as an identification band. A user orpassenger 502 obtains an identification appliance 504, such as awristband, from an authorized person or agency, such as the ticketcounter. When the passenger 502 checks in baggage at the ticket counteror curbside check-in 506, an identification band (“bag band”) 508 is puton the baggage. The bag band 508 identifies the baggage and its owner sothat when the passenger 502 goes to the baggage claim 510 to claim thebaggage, corresponding data in the bag band 508 and passenger'sidentification appliance 504 must match. One way to determine whetherthere is a match is to use a band reader 512. The band reader 512 readsboth the bag band 508 and passenger's identification appliance 504 anddetermines whether there is a match and optionally, whether there is anyevidence of tampering of either. When the passenger 502 goes to theairline gate terminal 514, there may be another optional band reader toverify the identity of the passenger 502. Likewise, when the passenger502 is about to board the aircraft 516, another optional band reader mayverify the identity of the passenger 502 again. Throughout the airport,terminal, gates, restaurants, baggage areas and restrooms, there may besensors 518 that detect and read any identification appliances 504 intheir vicinity. A central airport system 520 may be coupled to thesensors 518 and band readers 512 so that the system 520 can track thewhereabouts of each passenger.

[0108]FIG. 38 is a representative illustration of another exampleembodiment of an airport security system 500 that uses an improvedsecure identification appliance, such as an identification band. FIG. 38illustrates an example checkin, departure and arrival process based onthe airport security system 500. The left side of FIG. 38 depicts apassenger 502 and his baggage 505 prior to check-in and departure. Themiddle section shows the check-in and departure process. The right sideof FIG. 38 illustrates the arrival process. Again, the passenger 502obtains an identification appliance 504, such as a wristband, from anauthorized person or agency, at the ticket counter or curbside checkin.When the passenger 502 checks in baggage 505 at the ticket counter orcurbside check-in, a bag band machine 507 creates a bag band 508 for thebaggage 505 and an identification band 504 for the passenger 502.Alternatively, the bag band machine 507 may be a bag band reader. Asbefore, the bag band 508 identifies the baggage and its owner. A baggagerouting system 522 uses the bag bands to identify baggage and otherinformation necessary to route the baggage to its destination. Optionalband readers 512 and sensors 518 may be placed at the gate 514, entry toor exit from the airplane 516, baggage claim 510 and any other area inthe airport facility. The central airport system 520 may be coupled tothe sensors 518 and band readers 512 so that the system 520 can trackthe whereabouts of each passenger as well as baggage. The centralairport system 520 may be connected, if desired, to an internationalairport computer network 524 so that information is shared with otherairports. The shared information may include an airport's informationabout passengers at the airport as well as international databases aboutknown terrorists, fingerprints, etc. Thus, if airports detect that agroup of known terrorists have entered into various airports at similartimes, this fact can be made available to the proper authorities such asthe FBI. As another example, if an airport detects the presence ofseveral known terrorists in the airport, the airport can enter asecurity mode, delay flights alert the appropriate authorities, andtrack the terrorists. Upon arrival, the passenger 502 leaves theairplane and enters the gate 514. Again, a band reader 512 or sensor 518may detect and ascertain the identity of the passenger 502 as he walksto the baggage claim 510. When the passenger 502 goes to the baggageclaim 510 to claim his baggage 505, the bag band 508 and passenger'sidentification appliance 504 must match. A band reader 512 may be usedto read the bag band 508 and the identification band 504. Alternatively,if bag band machine 507 is adapted to read bag bands, the bag bandreader reads the bag band 508 and another band reader reads theidentification band 504. The identification band 504 and bag band 508may be deactivated upon completion of the travel event.

[0109] Any of the identification appliance embodiments may be used alsoby immigration officials. There are situations in which the security ofa remotely readable identification appliance and data carrier requirethat the identification appliance can only be secured to the person byan authorized person or agency, and once secured to the person beingidentified, cannot be removed or its data used except by an authorizedparty or agency. Accordingly, the improved identification appliance canbe supplied by U.S. Embassies or corresponding agencies throughout theworld, which identification appliance can be encoded or encrypted withthe identification and/or biometric features of the lawful bearer. Theimmigration authorities can read the identification appliances at theport of entry or authorized check points and compare the informationretrieved from the identification appliances to information stored intheir database and to biometric information obtained at the presentlocation.

[0110] The identification appliance can be in the form of a single ormultiple, detachable RFID/biometric labels that could then be detachedand used to be affixed to paperwork, including a place in the Passportnear the Visa seal, and that could be read and removed upon departure inorder to update and close open files on visitors to the U.S., such astemporary workers, students, business visas and tourists. With regard tothe immigration Green Cards issued to lawfully admitted residents, theidentification appliance can be in the form of a temporaryRFID/biometrics technology based label or card that identifies thebearer between the time of entry or admission to the U.S., and themailing of the permanent card to the legal alien.

[0111] An additional use for the identification appliance would be toidentify applicants for driver's licenses throughout the country.Driver's licenses are restricted to applicants who have proper andlawful identification that proves either proper citizenship or legalresident status. Exceptions are people with business visas on atemporary stay, some temporary working visas and perhaps people understudent visas. An identification appliance with biometrics can be usedto prove a person's identity and right to apply for a driver's license.

[0112] In any of the embodiments, the identification appliance mayinclude optional structures and features, such as any of the featuresdescribed below. For example, the communication circuit may perform acommunication function of any type and frequency, can communicatepassively such as a transponder and/or actively by initiatingcommunications, and can use low or high frequencies. The identificationappliance may operate in the low frequency, high frequency, UHF, SHF, ormicrowave radio bands.

[0113] The identification appliance may be attached to an article inwhich a circuit in the identification appliance performs an optionalelectronic article surveillance (EAS) function, for example, to preventthe theft of the article. The EAS function does not transmit anidentification code, but enables a reader to detect if theidentification appliance is near the reader, for example, at the entryor exit to a retail store or building.

[0114] The identification appliance may provide its location to anotherdevice, for example, over a small area (e.g., a room or a building) or alarge area (e.g., countrywide or worldwide). Such location informationmay be provided with a varying degree of accuracy such as with a lessthan 1 meter uncertainty to a greater than 1 kilometer uncertainty. Thelocation function may be accomplished by calculations derived by theidentification appliance of signals received by it (such as from aGlobal Positioning System or a Local Positioning System), or thelocation may be derived externally to the identification band, such asby a matrix of RF receivers responding to the strength or timing ofreception of signals received from the identification band.

[0115] Optionally, the identification appliance may receive a commandfrom a wireless communication system or network. The wirelesscommunication system may transmit the command to a single identificationappliances, to all identification appliances within range, or to asubset of identification appliances. The command may be any kind ofcommand. The command can change any operating characteristic or functionof the identification appliance, or cause the identification applianceto execute any set of instructions. For instance, the command can changeany human perceptible indicator in the improved identification appliancesuch as the display, light, audible signal generator, vibrator and thelike. As another example, the command may change the frequency at whichinformation is received and/or transmitted between the identificationappliance and an external communication system or network. By changingthe frequency of transmission or reception, the identification appliancecan reduce interference with other identification appliances in the areawhen the identification appliance is communicating wirelessly with anexternal device. As yet another example, the command may change theability of the identification appliance to receive and/or transmit data,the validity of data in the identification appliance, a password tocommunicate with the identification appliance, the level or type ofencryption of data, the expiration of the identification appliance(e.g., the identification appliance is deemed invalid after it expires),a characteristic in the communications protocol (e.g., baud rate orspeed of communications, error correction format, communication headerformat) so that the identification appliance can be able to communicatewith different types of communication networks, and virtually any otheroperating characteristic or function. The command may also optionallygive privileges to the improved identification appliance that the wearerof the identification appliance did not have previously. For example, awireless communication network may permit the wearer of an improvedidentification appliance to enter a restricted area, where thepermission is time-sensitive and time-limited (e.g., the permissionbegins at a certain time and expires at a certain time).

[0116] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been describedwith reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.For example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering andcombination of process actions shown in the process flow diagramsdescribed herein is merely illustrative, and the invention can beperformed using different or additional process actions, or a differentcombination or ordering of process actions. As another example, eachfeature of one embodiment can be mixed and matched with other featuresshown in other embodiments. Features and processes known to those ofordinary skill in the art of identification appliances may similarly beincorporated as desired. Additionally and obviously, features may beadded or subtracted as desired. Accordingly, the invention is not to berestricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An identification appliance adapted to provideinformation about a person, the identification appliance comprising: astructure adapted to be worn by or attached to the person; a fastenerdisposed in or on the structure, the fastener being adapted to attachthe structure to the person; and a circuit disposed in or on thestructure and electrically coupled to the fastener, the closing of thefastener enables a function of the circuit.
 2. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit function includes thecommunication of the information about the person external to theidentification appliance.
 3. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the circuit function includes the supply of power to thecircuit.
 4. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the circuitfunction includes the enablement of an antenna.
 5. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit function includes the tuning ofan antenna.
 6. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein thecircuit function includes changing a logic state input to the circuit.7. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the structure iselongate and flexible.
 8. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the circuit includes a radio frequency identification circuit,the radio frequency identification circuit adapted to transmit theinformation by radio frequency communication to an external device. 9.The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises afirst contact and a second contact and the circuit determines whetherthe first and second contacts are in communication with each other. 10.The identification appliance of claim 1 further comprising an electricalconductor which, when the fastener is closed, couples the fastener tothe circuit.
 11. The identification appliance of claim 10 furthercomprising a closure in communication with the conductor.
 12. Theidentification appliance of claim 11 wherein after the closure isclosed, the control circuit is adapted to determine whether the closurehas been opened or tampered with.
 13. The identification appliance ofclaim 9 wherein the first contact and the second contact comprise firstand second conductors, the closure of the fastener connecting the firstand second conductors to enable at least one electrical circuit.
 14. Theidentification appliance of claim 9 wherein the first contact and thesecond contact comprise first and second conductors, the closure of thefastener altering a capacitance between the first and second conductors,which enables an electrical circuit.
 15. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the information includes biometric data.
 16. Theidentification appliance of claim 14 wherein the biometric data includesa retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, or genetic characteristic of theperson.
 17. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein theinformation includes an image of a feature of the person.
 18. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the information includeoptical character recognizable data.
 19. The identification appliance ofclaim I wherein the identification appliance is a wristband, headband,armband, ankleband, neckband, or legband.
 20. The identificationappliance of claim I wherein the identification appliance is a patch orcard.
 21. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein at least acircuit component of the circuit is formed substantially of at least oneorganic material.
 22. The identification appliance of claim 21 whereinthe circuit is formed entirely of at least one organic material.
 23. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a power sourcecoupled to supply power to the circuit, the power source being formed atleast partially of an organic material.
 24. The identification applianceof claim 1 further comprising a diode within the circuit, the diodecomprising an organic material.
 25. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 further comprising a data storage device adapted to store theinformation, the data storage device formed substantially of at leastone organic material.
 26. The identification appliance of claim 25further comprising a keypad coupled to the data storage device, thekeypad adapted to input data into the data storage device.
 27. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a microstripantenna coupled to the circuit, the antenna being adapted to transmitthe information to a device external to the identification appliance.28. The identification appliance of claim 27 wherein the microstripantenna is a continuous radiator.
 29. The identification appliance ofclaim 27 wherein the microstrip antenna is disposed on or in thestructure such that when the structure is worn by or attached to theperson, the microstrip antenna is adapted to radiate energy away fromthe person and to radiate substantially less energy toward the person.30. The identification appliance of claim 27 wherein the microstripantenna comprises a conductive patch layer, a conductive ground layerand a dielectric material disposed between the patch layer and theground layer, the ground layer being located closer to the person thanthe patch layer when the structure is worn by or attached to the person.31. The identification appliance of claim 1 further comprising an audioor visual display coupled to the circuit.
 32. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the information includes medical data aboutthe person.
 33. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein thecircuit is adapted to disable a circuit function if the circuit detectsthat the identification appliance has been tampered with.
 34. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a data storagedevice adapted to store the information about the person and the circuitis adapted to alter, erase, or damage the information if the circuitdetermines that the identification appliance has been tampered with. 35.The identification appliance of claim 34 wherein the data storage deviceis a memory and the circuit is adapted to alter, erase, or damage theinformation in the memory if the circuit determines that theidentification appliance has been tampered with.
 36. The identificationappliance of claim 34 wherein the circuit is adapted to permit anauthorized person or agency to remove the identification appliancewithout the circuit altering, erasing, or damaging the information inthe data storage device.
 37. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the circuit is adapted to disable or change a circuit functionif the circuit determines that the identification appliance has beendetached from the person.
 38. The identification appliance of claim 37wherein the circuit function is the communication of the informationexternal to the identification appliance.
 39. The identificationappliance of claim 37 wherein the circuit function includes the supplyof power to the circuit.
 40. The identification appliance of claim 37wherein the circuit function includes the enablement of an antenna. 41.The identification appliance of claim 37 wherein the circuit functionincludes the tuning of an antenna.
 42. The identification appliance ofclaim 37 wherein the circuit function includes changing a logic stateinput to the circuit.
 43. The identification appliance of claim 37further comprising an electrical conductor disposed in or on thestructure, the conductor comprising one or more of a conductive wire orfiber, a conductive foil,, a meltable conductor, or a conductor printedon the structure, the severing or breaking of the conductor causes thecircuit to determine that tampering or opening of the fastener occurred.44. The identification appliance of claim 43 further comprising aclosure in communication with the conductor, the closure including oneor more of a conductive adhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, amagnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet or staple, a crimpedmaterial, or a heat-bonded material in proximity to the conductor. 45.The identification appliance of claim 37 further comprising a pattern ofnon-conductive fibers embedded within the structure, the fibersdisabling, shorting, or breaking an electrical circuit when theidentification appliance is overly stretched or twisted.
 46. Theidentification appliance of claim 45 wherein the disabling, shorting, orbreaking of the electrical circuit prevents the identification appliancefrom transmitting the information external to the identificationappliance.
 47. The identification appliance of claim 45 wherein thedisabling, shorting, or breaking of the electrical circuit disable adata storage device, the data storage device storing the information.48. The identification appliance of claim 1 further comprising anindicator, the indicator adapted to indicate whether the identificationappliance has been tampered with.
 49. The identification appliance ofclaim 48 wherein the indicator comprises an ink or dye, the indicatoradapted to release the ink or dye when the circuit detects tamperingwith the identification appliance.
 50. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 further comprising an indicator, the indicator adapted toindicate whether the fastener is closed.
 51. The identificationappliance of claim 50 wherein the indicator forms a visible identifyingpattern when the fastener is closed.
 52. The identification appliance ofclaim 51 wherein the circuit is adapted to enable an electrical circuitcorresponding to the identifying pattern.
 53. An identificationappliance adapted to provide information about a person, theidentification appliance comprising: a structure adapted to be worn byor attached to the person; a communication circuit disposed in or on thestructure, the circuit adapted to receive biometric information aboutthe person from a source external to the identification appliance; and adata storage device adapted to store the biometric information.
 54. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the communication circuitincludes an input port adapted to be coupled to an external device, theexternal device being adapted to transmit the biometric information tothe communication circuit through the input port.
 55. The identificationappliance of claim 54 wherein the communication circuit is adapted to becoupled to a second external device, the second external device beingadapted to transmit second information about the person to thecommunication circuit, the data storage device adapted to store thebiometric information and the second information.
 56. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the data storage device includes a memory.57. The identification appliance of claim 56 wherein the memory isnon-volatile.
 58. The identification appliance of claim 53 furthercomprising a fastener adapted to attach the structure to the person; anda circuit disposed in or on the structure, the closing of the fastenerenables a circuit function.
 59. The identification appliance of claim 58wherein the circuit function is the communication of the informationabout the person externally of the identification appliance.
 60. Theidentification appliance of claim 58 wherein the circuit functionincludes the supply of power to the circuit.
 61. The identificationappliance of claim 58 wherein the circuit function includes theenablement of an antenna.
 62. The identification appliance of claim 58wherein the circuit function includes the tuning of an antenna.
 63. Theidentification appliance of claim 58 wherein the circuit functionincludes changing a logic state input to the circuit.
 64. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the biometric informationincludes a retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, or genetic characteristicof the person.
 65. The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein thebiometric information includes an image of the person.
 66. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the biometric informationinclude optical character recognizable data.
 67. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the identification appliance is awristband, headband, armband, ankleband, neckband, or legband.
 68. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the identificationappliance is a patch or card.
 69. The identification appliance of claim53 wherein at least a component of the circuit is formed substantiallyof at least one organic material.
 70. The identification appliance ofclaim 69 wherein the circuit is formed entirely of at least one organicmaterial.
 71. The identification appliance of claim 53 furthercomprising a power source coupled to supply power to the circuit, thepower source being formed at least partially of an organic material. 72.The identification appliance of claim 53 further comprising a diodewithin the circuit, the diode comprising an organic material.
 73. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 further comprising a data storagedevice adapted to store the information, the data storage device formedsubstantially of at least one organic material.
 74. The identificationappliance of claim 53 further comprising a microstrip antenna coupled tothe circuit, the antenna being adapted to transmit the information to adevice external to the identification appliance.
 75. The identificationappliance of claim 58 wherein the circuit is adapted to disable acircuit function if the circuit detects that the identificationappliance has been tampered with.
 76. The identification appliance ofclaim 75 wherein the circuit function is the communication of theinformation externally of the identification appliance.
 77. Theidentification appliance of claim 75 further comprising a data storagedevice adapted to store the information about the person and the circuitis adapted to alter, erase, or damage the information if the circuitdetermines that the identification appliance has been tampered with. 78.The identification appliance of claim 77 wherein the data storage deviceis a memory and the circuit is adapted to alter, erase, or damage the ininformation in the memory if the circuit determines that theidentification appliance has been tampered with.
 79. The identificationappliance of claim 77 wherein the data storage device is adapted tostore the biometric information and an associated information about theperson.
 80. A method of verifying whether the possessor of anidentification appliance is its authorized bearer, the methodcomprising: retrieving biometric data of the bearer which was previouslystored in a circuit in the identification appliance; obtaining currentbiometric data from the possessor of the identification appliance; anddetermining if the previously-stored biometric data and the currentbiometric data are associated with the same person.
 81. The method ofclaim 80 further comprising indicating whether the identity of theauthorized bearer has been verified.
 82. The method of claim 81 whereinthe indicating step comprises indicating in an audible, visual, orvibrating manner which is perceptible to a human.
 83. The method ofclaim 80 further comprising displaying the previously-stored biometricdata.
 84. The method of claim 80 further comprising: retrievingassociated data of the bearer which was previously stored in the circuitin the identification appliance; obtaining current associated data fromthe possessor of the identification appliance; and determining if thepreviously-stored associated data and the current associated data arefrom the same person.
 85. The method of claim 80 wherein the step ofobtaining current biometric data includes communicating currentbiometric data of the possessor of the identification appliancewirelessly to the identification appliance.
 86. The method of claim 84wherein the step of obtaining current associated data includescommunicating current associated data of the possessor of theidentification appliance wirelessly to the identification appliance. 87.An identification appliance adapted to provide information about aperson, the identification appliance comprising: a structure adapted tobe worn by or attached to the person; a circuit disposed in or on thestructure; a sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in or on thestructure, the sensor being adapted to receive information about theperson from a source external to the identification appliance; and adata storage device disposed in or on the structure and coupled to thecircuit, the data storage device being adapted to store the information.88. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein the sensor includesa biometric sensor adapted to receive biometric information about theperson.
 89. The identification appliance of claim 88 wherein thebiometric information includes a retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, orgenetic characteristic of the person.
 90. The identification applianceof claim 88 wherein the biometric information includes an image of theperson.
 91. The identification appliance of claim 88 wherein thebiometric information include optical character recognizable data. 92.The identification appliance of claim 88 wherein the biometric sensorincludes a light-emitting device adapted to emit light towards theperson and a light-sensing device adapted to measure light reflectionoff the person to obtain a fingerprint characteristic.
 93. Theidentification appliance of claim 88 wherein the biometric sensorincludes a light-emitting device adapted to emit light towards theperson and a light-sensing device adapted to measure light reflectionoff the person to obtain a retinal characteristic.
 94. Theidentification appliance of claim 88 wherein the biometric sensor isformed of at least one organic material.
 95. The identificationappliance of claim 87 wherein the identification appliance is awristband, headband, armband, ankleband, neckband, or legband.
 96. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 wherein the identificationappliance is a patch or card.
 97. The identification appliance of claim87 wherein the sensor includes an acoustic sensor adapted to receiveacoustic information about the person.
 98. The identification applianceof claim 97 wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted to receive speechinformation from the person and the circuit is adapted to process thespeech information.
 99. The identification appliance of claim 98 whereinthe circuit is adapted to derive a unique identifying information aboutthe person from the speech information.
 100. The identificationappliance of claim 98 wherein the circuit includes an audio generationcircuit adapted to output synthesized speech.
 101. The identificationappliance of claim 97 wherein the acoustic sensor comprises apiezoelectric transducer.
 102. The identification appliance of claim 97wherein the acoustic sensor is formed substantially of at least oneorganic material.
 103. The identification appliance of claim 87 whereinthe sensor includes an optical sensor adapted to receive informationabout the person optically.
 104. The identification appliance of claim103 wherein the optical sensor comprises a light detector adapted tocapture images of the person's face, fingerprint, iris, or retina. 105.The identification appliance of claim 104 wherein the optical sensorincludes a charge coupled device.
 106. The identification appliance ofclaim 104 wherein the optical sensor includes a photodetector.
 107. Theidentification appliance of claim 103 wherein the optical sensor isformed of at least one organic material.
 108. The identificationappliance of claim 87 wherein the sensor includes a chemical sensoradapted to receive the information about the person chemically.
 109. Theidentification appliance of claim 108 wherein the chemical sensor isadapted to assay the biochemical content of the person's scent, blood,or breath.
 110. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein thesensor includes a humidity sensor adapted to receive information aboutthe humidity.
 111. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein thesensor includes a heat sensor adapted to receive temperatureinformation.
 112. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein thesensor includes a pressure sensor adapted to receive pressureinformation.
 113. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein thesensor includes an electromagnetic sensor adapted to receiveelectromagnetic energy.
 114. The identification appliance of claim 87wherein the sensor is formed of at least one organic material.
 115. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 further comprising an indicatoradapted to provide an audible, visual, or vibrating indication to ahuman.
 116. The identification appliance of claim 87 further comprisinga keypad coupled to the data storage device, the keypad adapted to inputinformation into the data storage device.
 117. The identificationappliance of claim 87 further comprising a microstrip antenna coupled tothe circuit, the antenna being adapted to transmit the information to adevice external to the identification appliance.
 118. The identificationappliance of claim 116 wherein the microstrip antenna is disposed on orin the structure such that when the structure is worn by or attached tothe person, the microstrip antenna is adapted to radiate energy awayfrom the person and to radiate substantially less energy toward theperson.
 119. The identification appliance of claim 87 further comprisinga power source coupled to supply power to the circuit, the power sourcebeing formed at least partially of an organic material.
 120. Theidentification appliance of claim 118 wherein the power source includesa photovoltaic cell.
 121. The identification appliance of claim 118wherein the power source includes a button-style battery.
 122. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 further comprising a diode withinthe circuit, the diode comprising an organic material.
 123. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 wherein the data storage device isformed substantially of at least one organic material.
 124. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 wherein the data storage deviceincludes a non-volatile memory adapted to store the information aboutthe person.
 125. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein theinformation about the person stored in an encrypted form in the datastorage device.
 126. The identification appliance of claim 53 whereinthe information about the person stored in an encrypted form in the datastorage device.
 127. A method of verifying whether the possessor of anidentification appliance is its authorized bearer, the identificationappliance containing a first set of encoded data about the bearer, themethod comprising: a) obtaining a second set of data about the possessorof the identification appliance; b) encoding the set of data to obtain asecond set of encoded data; c) communicating the first set of encodeddata stored in the identification appliance to a reader; and d)determining whether the first and second sets of encoded data are thoseof the same person.
 128. The method of verifying of claim 127 whereinthe first and second sets of encoded data include biometric information.129. The method of verifying of claim 127 wherein the determining stepdetermines the number of characteristics of the first and second set ofencoded data that match.
 130. The method of verifying of claim 129wherein the determining step determines there is a high probability of amatch if the number of characteristics of the first and second set ofencoded data that match is high and there is a low probability of amatch if the number of characteristics of the first and second set ofencoded data that match is low.
 131. The method of verifying of claim129 wherein the determining step compares the number of matchingcharacteristics to a threshold number to determine the probability thatthe first and second sets of encoded data are from the same person. 132.The method of verifying of claim 127 further comprising assigning aweight to each data in the first or second sets of encoded data based onthe data's effect on the overall probability of identity verification.133. The method of verifying of claim 127 further comprising indicatingthe result of whether the first and second sets of encoded data aredetermined to be those of the same person.
 134. The method of verifyingof claim 127 further comprising indicating data from the first andsecond sets of encoded data which do not match.
 135. The method ofverifying of claim 134 further comprising permitting a human todetermine whether the data from the first and second sets of encodeddata match and to input the decision.
 136. The method of verifying ofclaim 134 further comprising preventing the possessor from gainingaccess to a restricted area if the determining step determines that thefirst and second sets of encoded data are not from the same person. 137.The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises abuckle attached to the structure, the buckle adapted to adjustablysecure the structure to the person.
 138. The identification appliance ofclaim 137 further comprising a dye reservoir in communication with thebuckle which releases a dye from the dye reservoir when the buckle istampered with.
 139. The identification appliance of claim 137 whereinthe buckle comprises an electrical conductor coupled to the circuit, theclosing of the buckle enables a function of the circuit.
 140. Theidentification appliance of claim 137 wherein the buckle comprises anelectrical conductor coupled to the circuit, the opening of the buckledisables a function of the circuit.
 141. The identification appliance ofclaim 139 wherein the buckle is formed of an organic material having anelectrically conductive coating.
 142. A method of passenger ticketingand boarding of a vehicle, the method comprising: (a) at check-in, (i)storing identifying data about a passenger in an identification band;and (ii) attaching the identification band to the passenger; and (b) atboarding, (i) receiving the stored identifying data in theidentification band on the passenger; and (ii) processing the receivedidentifying data to verify the passenger's identity.
 143. The method ofclaim 142 wherein the storing step stores the identifying data in theidentification band, where the identification band is a wristband,headband, armbband, neckband, ankleband, or legband.
 144. The method ofclaim 142 wherein the storing step stores the identifying data, theidentifying data comprising a retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, orgenetic characteristic of the passenger.
 145. The method of claim 142further comprising obtaining an image of a feature of the passenger.146. The method of claim 142 wherein the storing step stores theidentifying data in a form of character recognizable data.
 147. Themethod of claim 142 wherein the storing step encodes the identifyingdata prior to storing the data.
 148. The method of claim 142 wherein thestoring step encrypts the identifying data prior to storing the data.149. The method of claim 142 wherein the storing step stores theidentifying data in a nonvolatile memory in the identification band.150. The method of claim 142 wherein the processing step determineswhether the identification band has been opened or tampered with. 151.The method of claim 142 wherein the storing step includes obtainingcurrent identifying data about the passenger.
 152. The method of claim142 further comprising displaying the received identifying data. 153.The method of claim 142 wherein the receiving step receives the storedidentifying data by wireless communication with the identification band.154. The method of claim 142 further comprising configuring theidentification band to expire automatically upon an event.
 155. Themethod of claim 154 wherein the event is the boarding of the passengeronto the vehicle.
 156. The method of claim 142 wherein the vehicle is anairplane.
 157. The method of claim 142 wherein the vehicle is a boat.158. The method of claim 142 wherein the vehicle is a train.
 159. Themethod of claim 142 wherein the vehicle is a bus.
 160. The method ofclaim 142 further comprising monitoring the location of the passenger.161. A method of securely tagging and claiming passenger baggage for avehicle, the method comprising: (a) at departure, (i) storingidentifying data about a passenger in an identification band; (ii)attaching an identification band to the passenger; and (iii) attachingan identification band to each item of the passenger's checked baggage;and (b) at baggage claim, (i) receiving the stored identifying data inthe identification band on the passenger; (ii) receiving the storedidentifying data in the identification band on each item of the claimedbaggage; and (iii) processing the received identifying data to verifythat each item of the claimed baggage is associated with the passenger.162. The method of claim 161 wherein the storing step stores theidentifying data in the identification band, where the identificationband is a wristband, headband, armband, neckband, ankleband, or legband.163. The method of claim 161 wherein the storing step stores theidentifying data, the identifying data comprising a retina, fingerprint,iris, voice, or genetic characteristic of the passenger.
 164. The methodof claim 161 further comprising obtaining an image of a feature of thepassenger.
 165. The method of claim 161 wherein the storing step storesthe identifying data in a form of character recognizable data.
 166. Themethod of claim 161 wherein the storing step encodes the identifyingdata prior to storing or transmitting the data.
 167. The method of claim161 wherein the storing step encrypts the identifying data prior tostoring or transmitting the data.
 168. The method of claim 161 whereinthe storing step stores the identifying data in a nonvolatile memory inthe identification band.
 169. The method of claim 161 wherein theprocessing step determines whether the identification band has beenopened or tampered with.
 170. The method of claim 161 wherein thestoring step includes obtaining current identifying data about thepassenger.
 171. The method of claim 161 further comprising displayingthe received identifying data.
 172. The method of claim 161 wherein thereceiving step receives the stored identifying data by wirelesscommunication with the identification band.
 173. The method of claim 161further comprising configuring the identification band to expireautomatically upon an event.
 174. The method of claim 173 wherein theevent is the boarding of the passenger onto the vehicle.
 175. The methodof claim 161 wherein the vehicle is an airplane.
 176. The method ofclaim 161 wherein the vehicle is a boat.
 177. The method of claim 161wherein the vehicle is a train.
 178. The method of claim 161 wherein thevehicle is a bus.
 179. The method of claim 161 further comprisingmonitoring the location of the passenger.
 180. The method of claim 161further comprising verifying the identity of the passenger at a securitycheckpoint.
 181. The method of claim 161 further comprising updating theidentification band of the passenger and the identification band on thepassenger's checked baggage if the itinerary of the passenger or thepassenger's checked baggage changes.
 182. The method of associating animmigration status with a person, the method comprising: determining theimmigration status of the person for a country of interest; storing theimmigration status and an identifying data about the person in anidentification appliance; and providing the identification appliance tothe person.
 183. The method of claim 182 wherein the storing step storesthe identifying data in the identification appliance, where theidentification appliance is a wristband, headband, armband, ankleband,neckband, or legband.
 184. The method of claim 182 wherein the storingstep stores the identifying data, the identifying data comprising aretina, fingerprint, iris, voice, or genetic characteristic of theperson.
 185. The method of claim 182 further comprising obtaining animage of a feature of the person.
 186. The method of claim 182 whereinthe storing step stores the identifying data in a form of characterrecognizable data.
 187. The method of claim 182 wherein the storing stepencodes the identifying data prior to storing or transmitting the data.188. The method of claim 182 wherein the storing step encrypts theidentifying data prior to storing or transmitting the data.
 189. Themethod of claim 182 wherein the storing step stores the identifying datain a nonvolatile memory in the identification appliance.
 190. The methodof claim 182 wherein the processing step determines whether theidentification appliance has been opened or tampered with.
 191. Themethod of claim 182 wherein the storing step includes obtaining currentidentifying data about the person.
 192. The method of claim 182 furthercomprising verifying the immigration status of the person when theperson is seeking entry into the country.
 193. The method of claim 182further comprising mailing the identification appliance to the person.194. The identification appliance of claim 48 wherein the indicator isadapted to release a substance perceptible to an animal.
 195. Theidentification appliance of claim 48 wherein the indicator is adapted torelease a substance perceptible to a machine.
 196. The identificationappliance of claim 87 further comprising an indicator which is adaptedto release a substance perceptible to an animal.
 197. The identificationappliance of claim 87 further comprising an indicator which is adaptedto release a substance perceptible to a machine.
 198. The identificationappliance of claim 138 further comprising an indicator which is adaptedto release a substance perceptible to an animal.
 199. The identificationappliance of claim 138 further comprising an indicator which is adaptedto release a substance perceptible to a machine.
 200. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the communication circuit is adapted totransmit information about the person in an encrypted form.
 201. Theidentification appliance of claim 87 wherein the circuit is adapted totransmit information about the person in an encrypted form.
 202. Theidentification appliance of claim 139 wherein the buckle is formed of anorganic material which is electrically conductive.
 203. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising an acousticsensor adapted to receive acoustic information about the person. 204.The identification appliance of claim 203 wherein the acoustic sensor isadapted to receive speech information from the person and the circuit isadapted to process the speech information.
 205. The identificationappliance of claim 15 further comprising an acoustic sensor adapted toreceive acoustic information about the person.
 206. The identificationappliance of claim 1 further comprising an optical sensor adapted toreceive information about the person optically.
 207. The identificationappliance of claim 206 wherein the optical sensor comprises a lightdetector adapted to capture images of the person's face, fingerprint,iris, or retina.
 208. The identification appliance of claim 15 furthercomprising an optical sensor adapted to receive information about theperson optically.
 209. The identification appliance of claim 1 furthercomprising a chemical sensor adapted to receive the information aboutthe person chemically.
 210. The identification appliance of claim 209wherein the chemical sensor is adapted to assay the biochemical contentof the person's scent, blood, or breath.
 211. The identificationappliance of claim 15 further comprising a chemical sensor adapted toreceive the information about the person chemically.
 212. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 further comprising an acousticsensor adapted to receive acoustic information about the person. 213.The identification appliance of claim 212 wherein the acoustic sensor isadapted to receive speech information from the person and thecommunication circuit is adapted to process the speech information. 214.The identification appliance of claim 53 further comprising an opticalsensor adapted to receive information about the person optically. 215.The identification appliance of claim 214 wherein the optical sensorcomprises a light detector adapted to capture images of the person'sface, fingerprint, iris, or retina.
 216. The identification appliance ofclaim 53 further comprising a chemical sensor adapted to receive theinformation about the person chemically.
 217. The identificationappliance of claim 216 wherein the chemical sensor is adapted to assaythe biochemical content of the person's scent, blood, or breath. 218.The identification appliance of claim 88 further comprising an acousticsensor adapted to receive acoustic information about the person. 219.The identification appliance of claim 88 further comprising an opticalsensor adapted to receive information about the person optically. 220.The identification appliance of claim 88 further comprising a chemicalsensor adapted to receive the information about the person chemically.221. The identification appliance of claim 103 further comprising anbiometric sensor adapted to receive biometric information about theperson.
 222. The identification appliance of claim 103 furthercomprising an acoustic sensor adapted to receive acoustic informationabout the person.
 223. The identification appliance of claim 103 furthercomprising a chemical sensor adapted to receive the information aboutthe person chemically.
 224. The identification appliance of claim 108further comprising an biometric sensor adapted to receive biometricinformation about the person.
 225. The identification appliance of claim108 further comprising an acoustic sensor adapted to receive acousticinformation about the person.
 226. The identification appliance of claim108 further comprising an optical sensor adapted to receive theinformation about the person optically.
 227. The identificationappliance of claim 113 further comprising an biometric sensor adapted toreceive biometric information about the person.
 228. The identificationappliance of claim 113 further comprising an acoustic sensor adapted toreceive acoustic information about the person.
 229. The identificationappliance of claim 113 further comprising an optical sensor adapted toreceive the information about the person optically.
 230. Theidentification appliance of claim 113 further comprising a chemicalsensor adapted to receive the information about the person chemically.231. The method of claim 127 wherein the second set of data includesbiometric information about the possessor.
 232. The method of claim 127wherein the second set of data includes acoustic information about thepossessor's voice or speech characteristic.
 233. The method of claim 127wherein the second set of data includes optical information about thepossessor.
 234. The method of claim 127 wherein the second set of dataincludes chemical information about the possessor.
 235. The method ofclaim 127 wherein the second set of data includes genetic informationabout the possessor.
 236. The method of claim 127 wherein the first setof data includes genetic information about the possessor.
 237. Theidentification appliance of claim 9 wherein the conductor comprises oneor more of a conductive wire or fiber, a conductive foil, a meltableconductor, or a conductor printed on the structure.
 238. Theidentification appliance of claim 9 wherein the closure includes one ormore of a conductive adhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, amagnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet or staple, a crimpedmaterial, or a heat-bonded material in proximity to the conductor. 239.The identification appliance of claim 9 wherein the fastener comprises afirst contact and a second contact and the circuit determines whetherthe first and second contacts are in electrical communication.
 240. Theidentification appliance of claim 239 further comprising an electricalconductor which, when the fastener is closed, couples the fastener tothe circuit.
 241. The identification appliance of claim 239 wherein theconductor comprises one or more of a conductive wire or fiber, aconductive foil, a meltable conductor, or a conductor printed on thestructure.
 242. The identification appliance of claim 240 furthercomprising a closure in communication with the conductor.
 243. Theidentification appliance of claim 242 wherein the closure includes oneor more of a conductive adhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, amagnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet or staple, a crimpedmaterial, or a heat-bonded material in proximity to the conductor. 244.The identification appliance of claim 242 wherein after the closure isclosed, the control circuit is adapted to determine whether the closurehas been opened or tampered with.
 245. The identification appliance ofclaim 9 wherein the fastener comprises a first contact and a secondcontact and the circuit determines whether the first and second contactsare in inductive communication.
 246. The identification appliance ofclaim 245 further comprising an electrical conductor which, when thefastener is closed, couples the fastener to the circuit.
 247. Theidentification appliance of claim 246 wherein the conductor comprisesone or more of a conductive wire or fiber, a conductive foil, a meltableconductor, or a conductor printed on the structure.
 248. Theidentification appliance of claim 247 further comprising a closure incommunication with the conductor.
 249. The identification appliance ofclaim 248 wherein the closure includes one or more of a conductiveadhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, a magnetic closure mechanism,a conductive rivet or staple, a crimped material, or a heat-bondedmaterial in proximity to the conductor.
 250. The identificationappliance of claim 248 wherein after the closure is closed, the controlcircuit is adapted to determine whether the closure has been opened ortampered with.
 251. The identification appliance of claim 9 wherein thefastener comprises a first contact and a second contact and the circuitdetermines whether the first and second contacts are in magneticcommunication.
 252. The identification appliance of claim 251 furthercomprising an electrical conductor which, when the fastener is closed,couples the fastener to the circuit.
 253. The identification applianceof claim 252 wherein the conductor comprises one or more of a conductivewire or fiber, a conductive foil, a meltable conductor, or a conductorprinted on the structure.
 254. The identification appliance of claim 252further comprising a closure in communication with the conductor. 255.The identification appliance of claim 254 wherein the closure includesone or more of a conductive adhesive, a conductive closure mechanism, amagnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet or staple, a crimpedmaterial, or a heat-bonded material in proximity to the conductor. 256.The identification appliance of claim 254 wherein after the closure isclosed, the control circuit is adapted to determine whether the closurehas been opened or tampered with.
 257. The identification appliance ofclaim 25 wherein the data storage device is formed entirely of one ormore organic materials.
 258. The identification appliance of claim 73wherein the data storage device is formed entirely of one or moreorganic materials.
 259. The method of claim 142 wherein the storing stepcommunicates the identifying data by wireless communication to theidentification band.
 260. The method of claim 161 wherein the storingstep includes the quantity of items of the passenger's checked baggage.261. The method of claim 161 wherein the processing step includesdetermining whether the passenger has retrieved all of the passenger'schecked baggage.
 262. The identification appliance of claim 25 whereinthe circuit is adapted to communicate at least a portion of theinformation for storage in an external database and to store a link inthe data storage device to the externally-stored information.
 263. Theidentification appliance of claim 34 wherein the circuit is adapted tocommunicate at least a portion of the information for storage in anexternal database and to store a link in the data storage device to theexternally-stored information.
 264. The identification appliance ofclaim 53 wherein the communication circuit is adapted to communicate atleast a portion of the biometric information for storage in an externaldatabase and to store a link in the data storage device to theexternally-stored biometric information.
 265. The method of claim 80further comprising retrieving biometric data of the bearer which waspreviously stored in an external database.
 266. The identificationappliance of claim 87 wherein the circuit is adapted to communicate atleast a portion of the information for storage in an external databaseand to store a link in the data storage device to the externally-storedinformation.
 267. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein thecircuit is adapted to receive a command from an external communicationsystem, the command being adapted to change an operating characteristicof the identification appliance.
 268. The identification appliance ofclaim 267 wherein the circuit is adapted to communicate with an externalcommunication system under a communications protocol and the commandchanges a characteristic in the communications protocol.
 269. Theidentification appliance of claim 268 wherein the circuit is adapted tocommunicate information with an external communication system and thecommand changes the frequency at which the information is receivedand/or transmitted.
 270. The identification appliance of claim 268wherein the circuit is adapted to communicate information with anexternal communication system and the command changes the speed at whichthe information is received and/or transmitted.
 271. The identificationappliance of claim 267 wherein the circuit is adapted to communicatewith an external communication system and the command changes theability of the circuit to communicate with the external communicationsystem.
 272. The identification appliance of claim 267 wherein thecommand changes the expiration of the identification appliance.
 273. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the communication circuitis adapted to receive a command from an external communication system,the command being adapted to change an operating characteristic of theidentification appliance.
 274. The identification appliance of claim 273wherein the communication circuit is adapted to communicate with anexternal communication system under a communications protocol and thecommand changes a characteristic in the communications protocol. 275.The identification appliance of claim 274 wherein the command changesthe frequency at which the information is received and/or transmitted.276. The identification appliance of claim 274 wherein the commandchanges the speed at which the information is received and/ortransmitted.
 277. The identification appliance of claim 273 wherein thecommand changes the ability of the communication circuit to communicatewith the external communication system.
 278. The identificationappliance of claim 273 wherein the command changes the expiration of theidentification appliance.
 279. The identification appliance of claim 87wherein the communication circuit is adapted to receive a command froman external communication system, the command being adapted to change anoperating characteristic of the identification appliance.
 280. Theidentification appliance of claim 279 wherein the circuit is adapted tocommunicate with an external communication system under a communicationsprotocol and the command changes a characteristic in the communicationsprotocol.
 281. The identification appliance of claim 280 wherein thecircuit is adapted to communicate with an external communication systemand the command changes the frequency at which the circuit communicateswith the external communication system.
 282. The identificationappliance of claim 280 wherein the circuit is adapted to communicateinformation with an external communication system and the commandchanges the speed at which the circuit communicates with the externalcommunication system.
 283. The identification appliance of claim 279wherein the circuit is adapted to communicate with an externalcommunication system and the command changes the ability of the circuitto communicate with the external communication system.
 284. Theidentification appliance of claim 279 wherein the command changes theexpiration of the identification appliance.